op·er·a·tive
ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv 
ˈä-pə-ˌrā-
ˈä-pə-ˌrā-
1
a
: producing an appropriate effect : efficacious
operative techniques
b
: most significant or essential
the operative word in a phrase
the operative facts
2
: exerting force or influence : operating
an operative statute
3
a
: having to do with physical operations (as of machines)
operative skills
b
: working
an operative craftsman
4
: based on or consisting of an operation
operative dentistry
The disease may require operative treatment.
operatively
adverb
operativeness
noun
: operator: such as
b
: a secret agent
d
: a person who works toward achieving the objectives of a larger interest
political operatives
Synonyms
Examples of operative in a Sentence
Adjective
The factory must pass inspection before it becomes operative.
The telephone system is now fully operative.
If I go, I will bring a salad. “If,” however, is the operative word, since I am not sure that I can go.
Noun
CIA operatives take terrible risks to find out the secrets of foreign countries.
set in the 1930s, the novel is about a washed-out operative working for a third-rate detective agency
Recent Examples on the Web
Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
His masterpiece charts the entanglements, both professional and personal, that bring about the downfall of operative Magnus Pym.
—The Week Us, theweek, 15 Oct. 2024
Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Russian and Iranian operatives have attempted to sway US voters via online disinformation campaigns in recent months.
—Clare Duffy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for operative 
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Adjective
Read: The controversial book at the center of Charlie Hebdo’s latest issue
The operative verb is wander.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
His masterpiece charts the entanglements, both professional and personal, that bring about the downfall of operative Magnus Pym.
—The Week Us, theweek, 15 Oct. 2024
Noun
Others are blaming the operatives who have run the party’s last several campaigns.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Russian and Iranian operatives have attempted to sway US voters via online disinformation campaigns in recent months.
—Clare Duffy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for operative
Dictionary Entries Near operative
Cite this Entry
“Operative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operative. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
operative
1 of 2 adjective
op·er·a·tive
ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv
ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-
1
: producing a normal or desired effect
2
: being in operation
operative
2 of 2 noun1
2
a
: a secret agent : spy
Medical Definition
operative
adjective
op·er·a·tive
ˈäp-(ə-)rət-iv
ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-
ˈäp-ə-ˌrāt-
: of, relating to, involving, or resulting from an operation
operative treatment
operative mortality rates
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