1
as in dormant
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
be careful when putting your hands in even an inoperative garbage disposal
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in malfunctioning
not being in working order
looking for an expert to fix the inoperative grandfather clock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in invalid
having no legal or binding force
the decision of the state's supreme court has rendered the law inoperative
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inoperative
The Info menu indicates the right rear sensor is inoperative.
—
John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026
Of those who reported incidents, none saw a low voltage battery warning before the exterior door handles became inoperative.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
But the speed came from all three levels of Green Bay’s defense, rendering Washington’s offense almost inoperative.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
The systems could have electrical compressor failure, which can cause the defroster or defogger to be inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash, the recall notice said.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inoperative
John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026
Of those who reported incidents, none saw a low voltage battery warning before the exterior door handles became inoperative.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
But the speed came from all three levels of Green Bay’s defense, rendering Washington’s offense almost inoperative.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
The systems could have electrical compressor failure, which can cause the defroster or defogger to be inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash, the recall notice said.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inoperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inoperative
Adjective
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Identifying Africa’s dormant capital is a great first step, but there’s a long way to go.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The rhizomatic roots spread horizontally under the soil surface to keep this perennial spreading even if the plant becomes dormant during hot weather.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem -- a malfunctioning space toilet.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Apr. 2026
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Despite the accomplishments, Artemis II astronauts had to contend with a more mundane problem — a malfunctioning space toilet.—
Marcia Dunn,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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These are invalid measurements made up by MBAs who never played the game on a serious level.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Out-of-state medicical marijuana cards are invalid in Idaho as the drug is not federally protected for medicinal use.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Mondays are a universal off day in the minor leagues.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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Vrabel addressed the Patriots about his off-field issues last Monday during the first day of the team’s offseason workout program.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That makes their cancer inoperable.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
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City says cars were inoperable The Somerville Department of Public Works says these cars are inoperable and awaiting disposal.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Carpentersville firefighters this week are using a vacant home at 14 Golfview Lane for training exercises.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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Jimmie Hayes, 50, was arrested Wednesday inside a vacant home in the 1000 block of Read Street, the Wilmington Police Department said in a news release.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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For minor sports, there is a down side to schools paying athletes playing for high-revenue programs like football and men’s basketball.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Apr. 2026
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Pedal to Shady Lane Cellars and Three Trees Vineyard, or detour down country roads (follow signage from the main trail) to visit Mawby Sparkling Wines and Black Star Farms, a winery and luxe inn.—
Sarah Miller,
Midwest Living,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Giveaway or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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The contest is void where prohibited by law.—
CBS LA Staff,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inoperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inoperative. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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