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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.

Nobody knows what the operative principle is here.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The investigation centered on Swalwell’s ties to a suspected intelligence operative, Christine Fang, or Fang Fang, who worked as a volunteer raising money for his congressional campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

Can you explain to us what the equal time rule actually is, how it has been operative for most of my career as a journalist, and what it’s being used to do now?

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

An undercover operative - known as Farouk - was deployed to gain his trust online and later in person.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

White sent Hoover a memo reporting that an undercover operative was on Hale’s ranch that very moment, spying.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann




Vocabulary lists containing operative