operatives

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.

On Wednesday, The Times reported that the raid involved a total of four CIA agents and marked at least the third time CIA operatives have joined Chihuahua state officials on operations this year.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Africa Command, which oversees the military’s Somalia operations, said in announcing the February 2025 strike that “approximately 14 ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed.”

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Indeed, the data suggest Washington has concluded there has been a “good enough”—if unsatisfying—almost-conclusion to the conflict against al-Qaida, even as Washington continues to kill or capture its operatives abroad.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

Israel’s intelligence operatives spent weeks tracking Hezbollah’s unit commanders as they dispersed from their strongholds and regrouped in hide-outs around the country to evade Israeli attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

I tried to focus on the good news that I was part of Mr. Pinkerton’s team of operatives and not on the sad fact that I would have such a pathetic costume.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan