OPERANT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

operant

adjective

Definition of operant

as in efficient

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 operant Bradfield probably could have parlayed that success into some sort of cushy position with Burnett, but his operant mode was reinvention. — Susan Orlean, The New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2022 As such, mobile games have developed into monsters psychologically tuned to rip thousands out of players vulnerable enough to be operant conditioned into a game addiction. — Clem Chambers, Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021 The current study investigated domestic cat preferences at the individual and population level using a free operant preference assessment. — Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operant

Adjective

The upshot of all this is that ClickFix is a highly effective and efficient means of spreading all sorts of malware.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Remain efficient at running the football, and the Vikings can mitigate risk.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of efficient

Adjective

Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed.

— Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024
Will prospective politicos and those holding positions of power prompt effectual projects to maintain upkeep and ensure each and every citizen is safe rather than pushing self-serving, divisive social agendas?

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024

Definition of effectual

Adjective

Making everyone a potential spy or assassin was only an expedient way to destroy institutions internally and externally through financial incentives.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
While his expedient return to action after those injuries was commendable, the Mets are wondering if a lack of rehab took its toll.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026

Definition of expedient

Adjective

Most of these conversations included an admission that the bot’s claims needed to be checked for hallucinations, that prompts had to be rewritten several times to be effective, and that the feedback tended to be positive and surface-level.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
The suit says La Strada twice raised concerns with Hoskins, but his Capitol security badge then was deactivated before a hearing in the case and he was fired effective May 1.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of effective

Browse Nearby Words

opera hats

operant

operate

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Operant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operant. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of operant

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

facsimile

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes