operative
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nobody knows what the operative principle is here.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
The investigation centered on Swalwell’s ties to a suspected intelligence operative, Christine Fang, or Fang Fang, who worked as a volunteer raising money for his congressional campaign.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026
A possible hint of this came again from Hegseth who praised an intelligence operative he saw in action.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
Can you explain to us what the equal time rule actually is, how it has been operative for most of my career as a journalist, and what it’s being used to do now?
From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026
In addition, White brought on an experienced deep-cover operative who looked more like an insurance salesman—perhaps because it was his former profession.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
Vocabulary lists containing operative
100 SAT words Beginning with "O"
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Intelligence leaks
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Lincoln's Grave Robbers
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