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operative

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


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.

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Like any political operative, he had his share of defeats.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 26, 2026

The longtime CIA operative had exfiltrated the families of spies from the most repressive of Middle Eastern regimes and tattooed the word “ARGONAUT,” an homage to seafaring heroes from Greek mythology, across his right forearm.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 19, 2026

They would simply make unmistakably clear that the executive cannot determine whether Congress’ statutory commands ever become operative by controlling the very event that activates them.

From Slate Jun. 26, 2026

He plays Martian, a veteran CIA operative whose years undercover have left their mark.

From BBC Jun. 20, 2026

A legendary MI6 operative, she’d served as a field agent for more than twenty-five years, and rumor had it the missing finger and limp were the results of a back-alley knife fight in Bangkok.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Returning for a second season, the Paramount+ thriller follows CIA operatives living under deep-cover identities.

From BBC Jun. 20, 2026

Federal prosecutors allege that Pauken had been working at the direction of individuals who he knew were operatives for China’s Ministry of State Security, the country’s main civilian intelligence agency.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 5, 2026

The joint statement said the ceasefire was "contingent on a complete cessation" of fire by Hezbollah as well as evacuation of the group's operatives from southern Lebanon.

From Barron's Jun. 4, 2026

Setting up in Cairo in May 1943, Young’s brief was to cultivate local spy networks; gather intelligence; insert agents and operatives in Greece to guide the commandos; sabotage enemy infrastructure; and prepare for D-Day.

From The Wall Street Journal May 31, 2026

One of the undercover operatives who was playing a Texas cattleman had slowly become close with Hale.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann




Vocabulary lists containing operative


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