operatives

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.

Qatar, a longstanding mediator in talks between Iran and the U.S., announced days after the war started that it had arrested three operatives recruited by the Revolutionary Guard to conduct sabotage activities.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Authorities should also examine whether Allen was known to authorities and, if so, whether intelligence operatives could have pieced together his train travel and arrival in the president’s orbit, Shortland said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

Africa Command, which oversees the military’s Somalia operations, said in announcing the February 2025 strike that “approximately 14 ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed.”

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Indeed, the data suggest Washington has concluded there has been a “good enough”—if unsatisfying—almost-conclusion to the conflict against al-Qaida, even as Washington continues to kill or capture its operatives abroad.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

“I am not worried about you, Nell. I’m worried about the rest of us! I’m worried about the danger we operatives would face if you should slip up again and reveal our charade!”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan