OPERATIONAL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

operational

adjective

ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of operational

as in operating

being in effective operation a fully operational oil refinery

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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 operational This appointment arrives as Nike navigates deep operational restructuring and severe market headwinds. — CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026 This change in global sourcing is now no longer just about low labor costs but about securing supply, complying with trade regulations and maximizing operational efficiency. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026 The impending launch also comes at a crucial time for SpaceX, as tech mogul Elon Musk's company races to have the Starship rocket operational in time for NASA's next mission under its Artemis moon program. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026 Depending on the use case, these may include productivity, uptime, quality, cost savings or other operational measures. — Nishkam Batta, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operational

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operational

Adjective

That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Definition of operating

Adjective

Also, at least one Dolls doctor, the administrative complaint said, skipped steps in pre-operative risk evaluation of anesthesia and the surgery to be performed or at least failed to document taking each of those steps.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Kiara suddenly has the ability to jump out of cable cars and scale buildings with a CIA-operative level of precision.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of operative

Adjective

Parenting a child comes with unique stressors, from small daily hassles like getting kids out the door on time for school to the bigger assignment of raising a functioning, happy and healthy human.

— Daniel M. Bagner, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Two years later, that land was a functioning commercial development with healthcare services, co-working space, community banking and retail tenants serving a neighborhood that had none of those things before.

— Srinivasulu Mupparaju, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of functioning

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operation

operational

operations

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“Operational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operational. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of operational

adjective

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