operative
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.
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
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
In communicating any religious belief, the operative word is faith, a concept illustrated by our very presence in that classroom.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
Vocabulary lists containing operative
100 SAT words Beginning with "O"
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Intelligence leaks
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Lincoln's Grave Robbers
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