NONOPERATIVE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

nonoperative

adjective

Definition of nonoperative

as in nonoperational

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of nonoperative Services range from nonoperative treatment options and minimally invasive outpatient surgery to complex and life-enhancing surgical procedures, according to Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine. — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025 In many cases, similar or better results can be achieved using options including multidisciplinary care that includes an expert nonoperative physician, physical therapy and lifestyle interventions. — Greg Licholai, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2022 Another call came in about the handrail, then a call about an emergency-exit gate at Fort Hamilton Parkway with a nonoperative magnet. — Andy Newman, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2020 Candidates for surgery have attempted nonoperative treatments without relief of symptoms. — Tj Gibson, azcentral, 9 May 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonoperative

Adjective

Kosmos 2553 began to spin out of control in April 2025 and is believed to currently be nonoperational.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 8 July 2026
The car was nonoperational and not under his name, but was left in his care.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026

Definition of nonoperational

Adjective

If the main engines were to become inoperative, six smaller orbit-control thrusters can still be activated on the lunar surface, providing an alternative pathway for a rapid ascent.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026
And there’s been plenty of media focus since then — including on inoperative toilets.

— Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

Definition of inoperative

Adjective

Fish that spent more of their inactive, sleep-like periods at night generally lived longer, while those that showed more inactivity during the day — the fish version of an afternoon nap — tended to have shorter lifespans.

— Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
While many accounts that post these videos get little traction, and seem to pop up and go inactive quickly, other accounts, like @MeganWright, @PumpScore, and @TaxExodus, rack up tens or hundreds of thousands of views.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of inactive

Adjective

Amid three years of war, the WHO reported in April 2026 that 37% of Sudan’s health facilities were nonfunctional.

— Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 29 July 2026
Down the road from his house, drivers cautiously approached a nonfunctional traffic light on Hampstead Mexico Road that was impacted by an outage.

— Gabriella Fine, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026

Definition of nonfunctional

Adjective

Drivers say their contract issues center on pay as well as safety issues, including nonfunctioning heaters, loudspeakers and windshield wipers.

— Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2023
In 2020, the state of Virginia passed some bills limiting pretextual traffic stops—for example, when police spot nonfunctioning brake or tail lights or hear an overly loud exhaust system.

— Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 30 Jan. 2023

Definition of nonfunctioning

Adjective

Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
But these types of cases, especially ones where the petitioner claims ineffective assistance of counsel, are hard to win, two defense attorneys told the Statesman.

— Alex Brizee July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026

Definition of ineffective

Adjective

The 7-year-old has a broken leg, and his brother suffered a concussion, the family member told KGO.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
The groom suffered a brain injury and numerous broken bones, and had to undergo multiple reconstructive surgeries, his mother said in a GoFundMe following the crash.

— Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of broken

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“Nonoperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonoperative. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonoperative

adjective

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