1
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country
CIA operatives take terrible risks to find out the secrets of foreign countries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
set in the 1930s, the novel is about a washed-out operative working for a third-rate detective agency
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in operating
being in effective operation
the last operative bookbinder of its kind in the business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result
unfortunately, the operative amount of the medication and the lethal amount were too close for it to be used safely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of operative
Amanda Castro
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Many attendees, including lawmakers and political operatives, were unaware that the event was sponsored by the Hope Florida Foundation until being contacted by a reporter.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 29 June 2025
Another Democratic operative notes that Hobbs’ favorability lags behind that of Arizona’s two Democratic senators.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for operative
Noun
Intelligence officials warned that Russian operatives are using Telegram to recruit Latin American nationals with military backgrounds, exploiting economic vulnerabilities to enlist them for sabotage missions across Europe.
—Amanda Castro
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Many attendees, including lawmakers and political operatives, were unaware that the event was sponsored by the Hope Florida Foundation until being contacted by a reporter.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
Adjective
Merkley asked the presiding chair, first-term Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), if the House reconciliation bill used current law as the operative baseline when it was first laid before the Senate.
—Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 29 June 2025
Another Democratic operative notes that Hobbs’ favorability lags behind that of Arizona’s two Democratic senators.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for operative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operative
Noun
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From sci-fi horror and spy thrillers to teen romances, there’s something for everyone to watch on streaming services this month.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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Current contenders for the coveted spy role include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Idris Elba and Rege-Jean Page, to name a few.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
During the operation, Hodge sold more than 200 grams of methamphetamine to undercover detectives, police said.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Aug. 2025
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The cast, made up of characters ranging from hard-nosed detectives to concerned relatives to slippery suspects, features several great overseas actors, including Naomi Ackie, David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Daniel Mays, Richard E. Grant and Tom Ellis.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The disconnect between operating performance and net income suggests potential one-time gains or non-operating income that may not be sustainable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.—
Arlyssa D. Becenti,
The Arizona Republic,
27 Oct. 2022
Adjective
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Credible Smart Home Sustainability For years, Energy Star has helped consumers identify efficient appliances and products, but now the program faces potential elimination.—
Jennifer Castenson,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
America’s Founding Fathers had the foresight to recognize that an efficient postal service would be an essential tool of democracy.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
The agent had a pressing question: How could his coaching clients include international athletes in the evolving NIL landscape?—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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Still, Parsons wanted to get his agent, David Mulugheta, involved before agreeing on any official deal.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The suspect fled on foot and dropped the gun, according to investigators.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
23 July 2025
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According to investigators, Melina and her father crossed into the U.S. from Canada on July 11 for what was supposed to be a vacation.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Construction is set to begin fall 2025 and aims to operational by fall 2026.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
30 July 2025
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That’s about public safety and operational continuity.—
Kwabena Osei-Sarpong,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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The primary treatment for Lyme disease is a course of antibiotics, which is most effective when started early.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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In the end, the most effective workout prep combines supplements (when needed), nutrition, movement and consistency, habits that pay off both before and after exercise.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Operative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operative. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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