1
as in spy
a person who tries secretly to obtain information for one country in the territory of another usually unfriendly country
CIA operatives take terrible risks to find out the secrets of foreign countries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in detective
a person not on the police force who investigates criminal or illicit activity or searches for missing persons
set in the 1930s, the novel is about a washed-out operative working for a third-rate detective agency
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in operating
being in effective operation
the last operative bookbinder of its kind in the business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result
unfortunately, the operative amount of the medication and the lethal amount were too close for it to be used safely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of operative
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
Or its operatives spend weeks getting a segment ready for air, and get to do more immersive reporting and exhaustive research that other news outlets would simply not allow, particularly in an era dominated by streaming and social media.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 June 2026
Chris Willman, Variety, 17 May 2026
But the company is also opening a new fulfilment center in Giessen, in western Germany, which should be fully operative by the end of 2027.
—Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for operative
Noun
While Ono faced the public just days after being named UF’s preferred candidate, Bell has spent more than two weeks under the microscope as conservative activists, bloggers and political operatives sifted through his decade-long record in Alabama searching for evidence of ideological heresy.
—Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
Or its operatives spend weeks getting a segment ready for air, and get to do more immersive reporting and exhaustive research that other news outlets would simply not allow, particularly in an era dominated by streaming and social media.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 June 2026
Adjective
Party is unapologetically the operative word for the ACMs, even down to the extent that many of the awards are being announced prior to airtime, to have few speeches on the show when that time could be used for music.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 17 May 2026
But the company is also opening a new fulfilment center in Giessen, in western Germany, which should be fully operative by the end of 2027.
—Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for operative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for operative
Noun
-
In 1977, two women living in the United States Embassy in Moscow become unlikely spies.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
The Senate tried to approve its own versions later Thursday but also failed, dimming the chances to prevent what could be rare lapse of spy powers.—
Mary Clare Jalonick,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Bucks County detectives analyzed the account data and digital footprints, tracking the email and IP address directly to Tiffany's residence and personal devices, the DA's office said.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
-
The detectives subsequently obtained an arrest warrant Burnside on the homicide charge.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.—
Rachel Nostrant,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The school’s sustainability efforts include the installation of solar panels, energy-efficient lighting upgrades and drought-resistant landscaping that supports outdoor learning.—
Magda Liszewska,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
-
The prototype was built for proliferated low-Earth orbit, or pLEO, where large constellations of smaller satellites require compact and power-efficient hardware.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
The third-year wide receiver and the Panthers agreed to a three-year, $34 million contract extension Thursday, according to Coker’s agent, Matt Glose.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
-
If an agent doesn't need persistent access, don't give it any.—
Art Gilliland,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
In the video recorded at the Elliot Key Marina shortly after the collision, Pino can be seen telling the investigator that his attention was split immediately before the accident.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
-
The Police Department in Friday’s post said the arrest by its Major Collisions Unit followed an investigation by responding officers, detectives and crime scene investigators that involved a four-hour neighborhood canvass.—
Michael McGough,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
The strategic capital allocation serves distinct operational needs.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
-
While Units 3 and 4 at the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant remain operational, work to replace them has already begun, with concrete pouring for Units 7 and 8 scheduled to start in March 2024 and March 2025, respectively.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Lavender, basil, catnip, mint, garlic, lemon balm, and citronella plants are all effective.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
13 June 2026
-
Green coffee extract and caffeine work together to target dark circles and puffiness, making this especially effective for under-eye concealing.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Operative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operative. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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