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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.

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Some became incredible investments later, the operative word being “later.”

From MarketWatch Aug. 3, 2026

Like any political operative, he had his share of defeats.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 26, 2026

The longtime CIA operative had exfiltrated the families of spies from the most repressive of Middle Eastern regimes and tattooed the word “ARGONAUT,” an homage to seafaring heroes from Greek mythology, across his right forearm.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 19, 2026

The Israeli military said it had struck a Hamas operative and was aware of claims that uninvolved individuals were killed in the strike.

From BBC Jul. 9, 2026

He’s gone from weary businessman to CIA operative.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Two alleged Libyan intelligence operatives -- Abdelbaset al-Megrahi and Al Amin Khalifa Fhimah -- were charged with the bombing and tried by a Scottish court in the Netherlands.

From Barron's Aug. 25, 2026

Thousands of North Korean operatives are using fake and stolen identities to land remote jobs at U.S. companies—and help fund Kim Jong Un’s regime.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 13, 2026

"Should further harassment and non-compliance occur, referrals will be made to North Wales Police, operatives will leave the site and the bridge will be closed," it said.

From BBC Jul. 29, 2026

"The latest incident placed the welfare and safety of operatives at risk so the decision was taken to pause operations," said UK Highways A55 Ltd.

From BBC Jul. 29, 2026

With a little help from some of the other operatives, we hung five silver lamps around the room—one in each of the four corners, and the fifth hanging in the very center.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan




Vocabulary lists containing operative


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