Definitions

operative

[op-er-uh-tiv, op-ruh-tiv, op-uh-rey-tiv] / ˈɒp ər ə tɪv, ˈɒp rə tɪv, ˈɒp əˌreɪ tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

active, functioning; influential

Synonyms

STRONGEST

operational usable

STRONG

current dynamic employable indicative key open running standing working

WEAK

accessible alive crucial effective efficient functional important in force in operation live practicable relevant serviceable significant workable

Antonyms

STRONG

passive

WEAK

inactive ineffective ineffectual inoperative unfunctional unworking useless worthless

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.

Here, Colman Domingo’s renegade intelligence operative also refuses to tell anyone anything, but all the unspoken beats just feel like plot holes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

McGovern was also described as a "senior front line operative" and a "confidante" of those in the upper echelons of the organisation.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Pauken received at least $100,000 for his work with a Chinese operative, prosecution documents said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

A U.S. special-forces operative has been charged with using classified information to reap more than $400,000 from bets on the ouster of Venezuela’s president.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

White sent Hoover a memo reporting that an undercover operative was on Hale’s ranch that very moment, spying.

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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