Synonyms for

Operatives

Verb / ˈɑ:pɜ:ʌtɪvz / Another word for operatives — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Operatives are people who work secretly for a government or organization to find out information or do certain jobs.

Synonyms & similar words

secretagent privateeye shamus intelligenceagent sherlock pi operative privatedetective intelligenceofficer privateinvestigator agents spies informants moles operants detectives investigators infiltrators plants plantsmen plantswomen saboteurs assassins hitmen killers mercenaries

Synonyms by register

Formal

agents personnel staff operatives

Informal

agents guys people workers

Literary

agents instruments tools

Antonyms

amateurs civilians nonprofessionals laypeople outsiders unskilled workers

Common collocations

  • secret operatives
  • intelligence operatives
  • undercover operatives
  • special operatives
  • field operatives
  • enemy operatives
  • government operatives

Word family

noun operation
verb operate
adjective operational
adverb operationally

Usage note

This word often refers to individuals involved in secret or specialized activities, particularly in intelligence or military contexts. It can also refer to any person employed to carry out a particular task or function.

Example sentences

  1. The operatives were trained to work in secret.
  2. The operatives were able to infiltrate the enemy's organization.
  3. The operatives worked together to complete their mission.
  4. The operatives were highly skilled and trained professionals.
  5. The operatives used advanced technology to gather information.

Quotes

  • 'Intelligence operatives are always looking for ways to manipulate people.' - Edward Snowden
  • 'Every government is run by liars and nothing they say should be believed.' - I. F. Stone
  • 'The truth is rarely pure and never simple.' - Oscar Wilde

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words