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 In the meantime, Boeing, the other NASA contract awardee, struggled with budget overruns and operational delays. — Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 At the operational level, Washington should expand existing programs that oversee international defense industrial security. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026 The inspector general will then work to build out the staff so the office is operational by the end of 2027. — Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Space Shuttle Endeavour is the fifth and final operational shuttle built for NASA’s space shuttle program. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operational

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operational

Adjective

The Georgia park was closed on Tuesday for a pre-scheduled non-operating day, officials said.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of operating

Adjective

When Wilson sent me her timeline, her request for the operative actions of the city (resolutions and ordinances) was nearly four weeks old.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
The operative issue is whether the complication was caused by substandard care.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of operational

adjective

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