Clues for the word "OPERATIVE"
We've had 23 crossword clues used for this word, and seen it 26 times in crosswords. It was last seen in Mirror Daily crossword on November 21, 2025.
Definition of operative
- a. - Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative motive.
- a. - Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty.
- a. - Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery.
- n. - A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.
Referring Clues
- See 82-Down
- Key
- Significant, as a word
- Functional
- Private detective
- Spy
- Having force - skilled worker
- Skilled worker in force
- Working (person)
- Prove a tie looks odd for a manual worker
- Labourer having the power to act
- Workman in action
- Choose time for entering - I have key(9)
- Working
- Workman working
- Worker working on musical show nearly backed another
- Without time to choose I have been working
- Old musical players making comeback in effect
- Cry for each beheaded native worker
- Effective employee
- Efficient secret agent
- Agent
- PI or spy
Last Seen In
- Mirror Daily - November 21, 2025
- Mirror Daily - August 02, 2025
- Mirror Daily - July 06, 2024
- Guardian Quick - January 09, 2018
- Guardian Cryptic - December 04, 2017
- Mirror Daily - August 02, 2017
- Mirror Daily - August 02, 2016
- LA Times - March 06, 2016
- New York Times - December 12, 2015
- Guardian Quick - November 16, 2013
- Guardian Quick - August 10, 2011
- Guardian Cryptic - July 01, 2011
- Guardian Cryptic - April 29, 2009
- New York Times - January 11, 2008
- New York Times - January 27, 2007
- Guardian Cryptic - December 22, 2005
- Guardian Quick - September 26, 2005
- Guardian Everyman - February 27, 2005
- New York Times - August 29, 2004
- Guardian Cryptic - February 11, 2004
- Guardian Cryptic - November 04, 2003
- Guardian Cryptic - September 06, 2002
- Guardian Cryptic - May 21, 2002
- Guardian Quiptic - February 12, 2001
- Guardian Cryptic - November 28, 2000
- Guardian Quiptic - September 11, 2000