as in operating
being in effective operation
a fully operational oil refinery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Academica is a third-party charter school support organization that provides operational support while the school’s governing board maintains authority over academics, staffing and curriculum.
—
Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Others create operational gaps that cost more to repair later.
—Fazila Shahid, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
In this role, Raleigh will oversee end-to-end operational functions, including demand and supply planning, inventory procurement and production, fulfillment, logistics and sales operations.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2026
Nevertheless, Iran has been bested at the operational level of war, and its air and naval forces cannot offer meaningful resistance.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operational
Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Others create operational gaps that cost more to repair later.
—Fazila Shahid, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
In this role, Raleigh will oversee end-to-end operational functions, including demand and supply planning, inventory procurement and production, fulfillment, logistics and sales operations.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2026
Nevertheless, Iran has been bested at the operational level of war, and its air and naval forces cannot offer meaningful resistance.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for operational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operational
Adjective
-
Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million.—
Russell Flannery,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
11 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
His campaign has gained the backing of controversial right-wing radio host and political operative Dan Proft of Naples, Florida, as well as far-right former legislator Jeanne Ives, now a member of the Republican State Central Committee.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The long-standing phrase energy transition remains operative for much of the world—though others reject it.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Velasquez said Chait placed a strong emphasis on communication, recalling that district leaders recently sent administrators guidance on reassuring families that schools would remain safe and functioning.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
At the same time, Maguire ventured into opposition territory to serve as an emergency centre-forward — rarely a sign of a functioning game plan.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operational. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
