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
Of those who reported incidents, none saw a low voltage battery warning before the exterior door handles became inoperative.
—
Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for inoperative
Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for inoperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoperative
Adjective
-
This dormant volcano provided a majestic backdrop for the resort—our home base for five days.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Ticks enter a dormant state and use natural antifreeze-like substances to endure the winter.—
Alex Kuffner,
The Providence Journal,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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There's also the scenario where the user experience just isn't great, whether that's subpar customer service or a malfunctioning app.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
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Over 1,000 sanitation workers went on strike after two workers were crushed by a malfunctioning garbage truck — a tragic incident in a history of city neglect of Black workers.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The warrant for Silva-Parucho, a construction worker with a pending asylum application and valid employment authorization, was therefore invalid, the judge ruled.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
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Both parties claim problems such as invalid signatures and missing or incorrect voter information on petitions that judicial candidates submit to secure a place on the ballot.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Though no date has been set, the Dodgers will play three games in Washington from April 3 to 5, with an off day April 2 following a six-game homestand to open the season.—
Ed Guzman,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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Both companies are known for their off-Loop musicals and are longtime favorites of the all-volunteer Joseph Jefferson Awards committee.—
Doug George,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Raw chicken inside an inoperable display case was observed out of above proper holding temperature.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
February 13,
Sacbee.com,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Without electricity and internet service, alarms and security systems were inoperable, and musicians like Russell DuFresne, who is also shop manager at Nashville Amplifier Service, had instruments stolen.—
Margaret Littman,
Rolling Stone,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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City officials hope to reverse that trend by revitalizing the downtown area, from attracting businesses to vacant storefronts to developing unused city sites, such as the corner lot burdened with the remains of Hotel Marysville, which was destroyed by fire in 2024.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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As the luxury building sat vacant, taggers armed with spray paint flocked there, hoping to leave a colorful mark on the city skyline.—
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Kansas City Chiefs had a down season in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
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Most groups of particles will have a random mix of up and down spins, but the researchers found that a particular kind of particle that has been produced at the collider has often come in pairs with matching spin directions.—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Despite their cap problems, the Dolphins could accommodate such a deal using void years, when some cap charges reflect after a player has left your team.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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The law also declares that contracts that support immigration enforcement are void and unenforceable.—
Stephanie Douglas,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoperative. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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