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
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.
Recent Examples of functional
The distinction here isn’t moral, but functional: smart dumb leaves a trail behind it; dumb dumb disappears by design.
—
Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025
Peepers offers a variety of reading glasses designed to be both stylish and functional.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Without hitting these life stages, fashion has lost its functional purpose.
—Essence, 4 Aug. 2025
The pants have functional front and back pockets and come in four washes, plus petite sizes S–XXL.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025
Peepers offers a variety of reading glasses designed to be both stylish and functional.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Without hitting these life stages, fashion has lost its functional purpose.
—Essence, 4 Aug. 2025
The pants have functional front and back pockets and come in four washes, plus petite sizes S–XXL.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
While the system has previously suffered delays to getting back on track, MIA’s Chin now says the fourth station will open and Skytrain will be fully operational by mid-September 2025.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
-
To minimize operational risk, support data privacy standards and conform with residency regulations, agent access should also be restricted only to those data sets and systems needed to execute its specific task, which can prevent unauthorized or irreversible changes without oversight.—
Ben Blanquera,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The analyst added that advertisers are also benefiting from Pinterest's useful customer insights, given that Gen-Z now constitutes more than half the platform's user base.—
Tipranks.com Staff,
CNBC,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Lead with a useful tip or a light-hearted take, then weave in your message.—
John Hall,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Publicly available information from company websites supplemented the research.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Public cooling shelters are available in some areas in Arizona, and residents are encouraged to contact local resources such as 2-1-1 for guidance.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The disconnect between operating performance and net income suggests potential one-time gains or non-operating income that may not be sustainable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Readers should comply with applicable laws and consult health professionals for medical advice.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The operative word there is ‘open’ — that there’s a reliable, open line of communication.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Her exit is the full employment political operative Act because of the number of candidates for CA GOV that will be running for this office.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Through the Mine—Explore the Middleton Mine as the team highlights the risks, challenges, and practical elements to pull off this incredible action sequence.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
In some cases, its buildings are practical, as opposed to pretty.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
With developers and non-developers alike embracing AI agents to automate, iterate, and build entire applications, this space is becoming one of the hottest frontiers in applied artificial intelligence.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
In the life sciences segment, Blair said that while clinical and applied markets demand was good globally, it was offset by weak demand in academic and government end markets — a continuation of the dynamics seen in recent quarters.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share