Operative Definition
 ŏpər-ə-tĭv, -ə-rātĭv, ŏprə- 
  operatives
  
    adjective
  
 Capable of, characterized by, or in operation.
 Webster's New World 
Being in effect; having force; operating.
 American Heritage 
Functioning effectively; efficient.
 American Heritage Medicine 
Accomplishing what is desired; effective.
 Webster's New World 
Connected with physical work or mechanical action.
 Webster's New World 
Synonyms: 
  
    noun
  
 
    operatives
  
A worker, esp. one skilled in industrial work.
 Webster's New World 
A detective or spy.
 Webster's New World 
A private investigator.
 American Heritage 
One who works for a political organization, often wielding influence out of public view.
 American Heritage 
A participant of an operation.
 Wiktionary 
Synonyms: 
  
- sherlock
- shamus
- private-investigator
- private eye
- pi
- private-detective
- intelligence agent
- intelligence officer
- secret-agent
- spook
- spy
- agent
- workwoman
- workman
- workingwoman
Other Word Forms of Operative
Noun
Singular:
 operativePlural:
 operativesRelated Articles
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