operative (B2)

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɒpərətɪv/

Definition

A person who is trained to do secret work, especially for a government or military organization.

Examples

• The intelligence agency employed many skilled operatives.

• He was a deep-cover operative who had been working for years.

• The mission required a highly trained operative with a specific skill set.

How to Use operative

operative in (prepositional phrase)

Working or active within a specific field, industry, or organization. — "She was an operative in the field of investigative journalism."

operative for (prepositional phrase)

Working as an agent or representative of a particular group or entity. — "He served as an operative for a private security firm."

Synonyms of operative

Words with a similar meaning to operative:

• agent
• spy
• undercover agent
• mole

Antonyms of operative

Words with the opposite meaning to operative:

• civilian
• public servant

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