Synonyms of operationalnext
1
: of or relating to operation or to an operation
the operational gap between planning and production
2
: of, relating to, or based on operations
3
a
: of, engaged in, or connected with execution of military or naval operations in campaign or battle
b
: ready for or in condition to undertake a destined function
operationally adverb

Examples of operational in a Sentence

The new airport should be fully operational by next year. The computer network is now operational.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
From as early as April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of ensuring that the country’s energy and infrastructure facilities are fully operational and reliably protected for the next heating season. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 That’s most notable in Cushing, Oklahoma, the pipeline crossroads of America, where stockpiles have fallen well below operational stress levels. David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 Once both these reactors are operational, the second phase of the power plant will generate 18 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 Once opened, or even once placed in the room, they’re written off, and from an operational perspective, letting guests take them is easier than throwing them away. Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operational

Word History

Etymology

operation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of operational was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Operational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operational. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

operational

adjective
op·​er·​a·​tion·​al ˌäp-ə-ˈrā-shnəl How to pronounce operational (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of or relating to operation or an operation
2
: ready for operation

Legal Definition

operational

adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on operational

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster