Find Synonyms

operative Synonyms

Another word for operative

Choosing another word for operative depends on context, so the 24 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A secret agent, private detective, or representative who conducts intelligence, investigative, or political work for an organization.

Usage Example

"The campaign agent spent months organizing grassroots support across several key districts."

Strongest
agent
Strong
spy
investigator
detective
sleuth

• adjective (Context 2)

Functioning, working, or having practical effect; currently in force or operation.

Usage Example

"The new safety regulations will become fully functional at the start of next month."

Strongest
functional
operational
effective
Strong
active
working
in force
valid

• adjective (Context 3)

Having the greatest significance, relevance, or weight in a phrase, statement, or situation.

Usage Example

"In the contract, 'conditional' is the key word that limits our liability."

Strongest
key
Strong
central
critical
crucial
essential
pivotal

• noun (Context 4)

A worker, especially one employed in a skilled trade, factory, or industrial plant.

Usage Example

"Every machine worker in the factory received thorough training on the new equipment."

Strongest
worker
operator
Strong
machinist
artisan
laborer

• adjective (Context 5)

Relating to or involving a surgical operation.

Usage Example

"The patient recovered quickly thanks to advanced surgical techniques and attentive nursing care."

Strongest
surgical

Opposites of operative

The opposite of operative shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

inoperative
inactive
non-surgical
defunct
incidental
irrelevant
employer
invalid
See all opposites of operative

• Nearby Words

operation
operational
operationally
operative
operatively
operator
operetta

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Operative. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/operative
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