1
as in operational
being in effective operation
I don't think that vending machine is functional, so don't put money into it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in useful
capable of being put to use or account
a functional knowledge of auto mechanics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in available
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose
a very functional kitchen utensil for peeling potatoes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of functional
Upgrade your morning and night routine with this functional yet stylish trick.
—
Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2025
And finally, some evidence suggests that psychopathy and aggression are associated with a smaller, less functional amygdala.
—Tobias Kalenscher, Scientific American, 13 June 2025
Meanwhile, Partner Edward M. Cook brings a unique, relatable perspective on how to create functional boards from groups of highly accomplished individuals.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025
On both aesthetic and functional levels, the mask also adds to the intensity.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2025
And finally, some evidence suggests that psychopathy and aggression are associated with a smaller, less functional amygdala.
—Tobias Kalenscher, Scientific American, 13 June 2025
Meanwhile, Partner Edward M. Cook brings a unique, relatable perspective on how to create functional boards from groups of highly accomplished individuals.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 5 June 2025
On both aesthetic and functional levels, the mask also adds to the intensity.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Catholic Charities itself did not respond to interview requests as of publication time but has shared financial and operational updates in periodic emails to volunteers and staff and in public blog posts.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
23 June 2025
-
This was the second launch of a full load of operational satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper, a network envisioned to become a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Additionally, tax-loss harvesting, or selling investments that have lost value to offset gains, can be a useful strategy to reduce your taxable income.—
Prasanna Kumar,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
Nate Williams, Rockets (NG) Williams has a $2.2 million deal for the coming season that doesn’t guarantee until opening night, which means the Rockets are likely to drag this out all summer and see if his contract is useful for aggregation in a salary match.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown is available via Random House.—
Janelle Brown
June 12,
Literary Hub,
12 June 2025
-
For additional help, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has professional crisis counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.—
Arlyssa D. Becenti,
The Arizona Republic,
27 Oct. 2022
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The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
11 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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Holcomb objected, saying it hasn't been established that that definition is applicable to this case.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
18 June 2025
-
Hosts and guests are always required to comply with applicable laws concerning firearms, ammunition, dangerous objects, and other self-defense devices.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
True Threat follows Special Forces operative Vernon Threat (Majors), who returns home seeking justice after his teenage son is murdered by Harlem’s Apollo Kids gang.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
-
Now that this uncomfortable reality is finally out in the open, though, the operative question becomes: what is Macron's France, and the rest of Europe, actually prepared to do about it?—
Ilan Berman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Nevertheless, the safety zone concept, essentially managing access to and activities around specific areas, could be a practical tool for protecting heritage sites.—
Michelle L.D. Hanlon,
Space.com,
20 June 2025
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People follow entrepreneurs who offer practical wisdom, not generic business advice.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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This includes tech startups like Queen One, which just signed a 10-year lease for its new headquarters in Williamsburg, joining a thriving innovation ecosystem in Brooklyn and contributing to New York City’s status as the applied AI capital of the world.—
Adolfo Carrión Jr,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2025
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The Latin root of compliance means a physical response to force—what happens to a bodily organ under applied pressure.—
Zoe Roth
April 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
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