OPERATIONAL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

operational

adjective

ˌä-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of operational

as in operating

being in effective operation a fully operational oil refinery

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of operational In September 2019, Carney frequently attended meetings with the city manager’s office about EMS operational metrics, the lawsuit says. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 Operators can adjust the system’s behavior based on the threat and operational situation. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026 All five of Manteca's red-light cameras were operational by June 1 of last year. — Nina Burns, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 The operational changes followed a period of turnover in Front Street’s leadership. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operational

Recent Examples of Synonyms for operational

Adjective

That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Definition of operating

Adjective

Indeed, with this work the term shift is operative in every way, framing its status as an artwork both transformational and transformed.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
West had coronary artery disease and died due to a combination of the pre-existing illness and post-operative complications a day after having cosmetic surgery.

— Michael Saponara, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of operative

Adjective

Parenting a child comes with unique stressors, from small daily hassles like getting kids out the door on time for school to the bigger assignment of raising a functioning, happy and healthy human.

— Daniel M. Bagner, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Two years later, that land was a functioning commercial development with healthcare services, co-working space, community banking and retail tenants serving a neighborhood that had none of those things before.

— Srinivasulu Mupparaju, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of functioning

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operation

operational

operations

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“Operational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/operational. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of operational

adjective

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