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.

She became a political operative in Republican politics, starting in local Miami races and eventually served as national Hispanic chair for 2008 GOP presidential nominee John McCain.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

The legal source said his alleged role was to be that of a public relations operative who would use his media links and film content to win public support for the military takeover.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 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

This is not Madman Theory, but the operative word here—the word that doesn’t fit—is theory.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

When the operative told her that he was looking to buy a house in the vicinity, she mentioned that William Hale “controlled everything” in these parts.

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