Full Definition of OPERATIVE. 1. a: producing an appropriate effect: efficacious. 2. : exerting force or influence: operating. 3. a: having to do with physical operations (as of machines). 4. — op·er·a·tive·ly adverb.earn More About OPERATIVE. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for operative. Spanish Central: Spanish translation of operative. Nglish: Translation of operative for Spanish speakers. Britannica English: Translation of operative for Arabic speakers.