operative

1 of 2

adjective

op·​er·​a·​tive ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv How to pronounce operative (audio) ˈä-pə-ˌrā- How to pronounce operative (audio)
1
a
: producing an appropriate effect : efficacious
operative techniques
b
: most significant or essential
the operative word in a phrase
the operative facts
2
: exerting force or influence : operating
an operative statute
3
a
: having to do with physical operations (as of machines)
operative skills
b
: working
an operative craftsman
4
: based on or consisting of an operation
operative dentistry
The disease may require operative treatment.
operatively adverb
operativeness noun

operative

2 of 2

noun

: operator: such as
b
: a secret agent
d
: a person who works toward achieving the objectives of a larger interest
political operatives

Examples of operative in a Sentence

Adjective The factory must pass inspection before it becomes operative. The telephone system is now fully operative. If I go, I will bring a salad. “If,” however, is the operative word, since I am not sure that I can go. Noun CIA operatives take terrible risks to find out the secrets of foreign countries. set in the 1930s, the novel is about a washed-out operative working for a third-rate detective agency
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But then-Chief Justice Roger Taney deemed the move unlawful, noting the operative clause is found in Article I of the Constitution, which itemizes Congress' powers, not the president's. Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 9 May 2025 As a professional but not a member of the wealthy elite, and having been considered by Congress, Cleveland represents a clear distinction from Musk, who appears to have little understanding of what an average American may need from an operative federal bureaucracy. Laura Ellyn Smith, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Noun
In a display of brute aggression, cartel operatives humiliated Mexican officials by forcing the government to release Mr. Guzmán López shortly after he was captured. Alan Feuer, New York Times, 7 May 2025 For five seasons, Queen Latifah has been keeping the streets safe as former CIA operative Robyn McCall on The Equalizer — but her character's story has officially concluded. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for operative

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English operatif "active, working," borrowed from Late Latin operātīvus, from operātus, past participle of operārī "to work, be efficacious" + Latin -īvus -ive — more at operate

Noun

derivative of operative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operative was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Operative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operative. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

operative

1 of 2 adjective
op·​er·​a·​tive ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv How to pronounce operative (audio)
ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-
1
: producing a normal or desired effect
2
: being in operation

operative

2 of 2 noun
1
2
a
: a secret agent : spy

Medical Definition

operative

adjective
op·​er·​a·​tive ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv How to pronounce operative (audio) ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt- How to pronounce operative (audio)
: of, relating to, involving, or resulting from an operation
operative treatment
operative mortality rates

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