Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

operative

[op-er-uh-tiv, op-ruh-tiv, op-uh-rey-tiv] / ˈɒp ər ə tɪv, ˈɒp rə tɪv, ˈɒp əˌreɪ tɪv /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

McGovern was also described as a "senior front line operative" and a "confidante" of those in the upper echelons of the organisation.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Later that day, Hamas operative Muhammed Issam Hassan al-Habil was traveling in a car through the wreckage of northwest Gaza.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

But she misses the days of sparring with Democratic operative Donna Brazile when they were on opposing sides on CNN’s Washington set, and then went out for oysters and wine at Old Ebbitt Grill afterward.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

A U.S. special-forces operative has been charged with using classified information to reap more than $400,000 from bets on the ouster of Venezuela’s president.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

At the outset, operative No. 10 asked Mathis, who’d been a juror on the inquest, to show him the crime scene.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann




Vocabulary lists containing operative


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "operative" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com