1
as in dormant
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
be careful when putting your hands in even an inoperative garbage disposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in malfunctioning
not being in working order
looking for an expert to fix the inoperative grandfather clock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in invalid
having no legal or binding force
the decision of the state's supreme court has rendered the law inoperative
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inoperative
But the speed came from all three levels of Green Bay’s defense, rendering Washington’s offense almost inoperative.
—
Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
The systems could have electrical compressor failure, which can cause the defroster or defogger to be inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash, the recall notice said.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The city of Los Angeles got in touch with its inner child on Thursday, Aug. 21 when its Department of Recreation and Parks approved the purchase of a 99-year-old inoperative merry-go-round at a price of $1 million for the benefit of children who visit Griffith Park.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025
Pennsylvania voting equipment breaks in two counties Several election ballot scanners are currently inoperative at multiple polling locations in Pennsylvania.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for inoperative
Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
The systems could have electrical compressor failure, which can cause the defroster or defogger to be inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash, the recall notice said.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
The city of Los Angeles got in touch with its inner child on Thursday, Aug. 21 when its Department of Recreation and Parks approved the purchase of a 99-year-old inoperative merry-go-round at a price of $1 million for the benefit of children who visit Griffith Park.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025
Pennsylvania voting equipment breaks in two counties Several election ballot scanners are currently inoperative at multiple polling locations in Pennsylvania.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for inoperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoperative
Adjective
-
If 2026 is 2016 all over again, the spontaneous girl who’s been dormant in me for a decade couldn’t be more thrilled.—
Marianne Mychaskiw,
Allure,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Yet the magic of Bisate Reserve extends far beyond the misty mountains—from stunning nature trails on breathtaking vistas, to a soulful trek to the former research station of legendary conservationist Dian Fossey, and the chance to climb a dormant volcano.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Elk Creek Fire An initial investigation into the fire indicates it was caused in part by a malfunctioning gas generator and also high winds.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
18 Dec. 2025
-
Its Care Team members replicate the roles of Apple Geniuses, helping people who come in with malfunctioning devices or other troubles.—
Julio Ojeda-Zapata,
Twin Cities,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But the Division of Elections attributed the delay to scrutiny of potentially invalid signatures.—
News Service Of Florida,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Jan. 2026
-
An attempt to reach Marc Steimer at his Blazin OG email address resulted in an automatic response stating the address was invalid.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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With Minnesota leading by four and 1 minute, 10 seconds to play, Edwards got lackadaisical in his off-ball defense while guarding Chicago’s most potent scorer, Coby White.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
23 Jan. 2026
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Regrouping after a long trek back Monday and an off-day Tuesday, Orlando focused on the fundamentals of the game on both ends of the court while reflecting on the time spent overseas and looking ahead to the second half of the regular season.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
During the course of deliberately ramming the cop car, the teen’s vehicle was rendered inoperable.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
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Responses can be incorrect, activations trigger the wrong content, and the voice recognition features are often inoperable.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Gaethje also fell short in his second try at winning the UFC 155-pound belt, dropping a submission to Charles Oliveira for the vacant title in May 2022.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Flores also interviewed with the Washington Commanders for their vacant defensive coordinator post.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The down-time feeling immediate.—
Antonia Quirke,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Dent curled around a down screen and drove for a floater.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Any requirement, policy, or practice that conditions access to mental health services on AI use is considered legally void and unenforceable.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
19 Jan. 2026
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Inflation is so severe that, in the past two decades, the nation’s currency has been declared void and substituted with a new tender three times.—
Armando Ledezma,
New Yorker,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoperative. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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