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
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
Usa Today Network, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 Lara’s pre-operative test results were abnormal, and revealed clear signs of keratoconus, making LASIK unsuitable. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026 Before the outbreak of its latest war with Israel in 2023, estimates of Hezbollah's military strength ranged from 30,000 to more than 50,000 operatives. —David Brennan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operative
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Endless is the operative word at Lavo Italian Restaurant’s weekend brunch, where the traditional sit-down meal gives way to a high‑energy, indulgent experience that feels unmistakably Vegas. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 Lara’s pre-operative test results were abnormal, and revealed clear signs of keratoconus, making LASIK unsuitable. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
The indictment says that in exchange for money, the soldiers maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives over a few months and carried out a range of tasks under their direction. —Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026 Before the outbreak of its latest war with Israel in 2023, estimates of Hezbollah's military strength ranged from 30,000 to more than 50,000 operatives. —David Brennan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operative
Cite this Entry
“Operative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/operative. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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 noun
1
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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