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.

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

Just before 7 a.m., a Benin intelligence operative took surreptitious video of five rebel armored vehicles and four pickups leaving QRF headquarters, hazard lights flashing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

One zoomer Republican operative in Washington was befuddled at how Butterworth’s had become such a destination: “A bunch of conservatives just decided it would be our place and I don’t understand why.”

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026

Matthew Bradley, an electrical and wiring operative, welcomed the opportunity to highlight the manufacturing work that is going on behind the factory walls as part of the exhibition.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

She had been unmasked as a CIA operative, thereby rendering her useless as an undercover agent in the Soviet Union.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau