FUNCTIONAL Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

functional

adjective

ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl

Definition of functional

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

as in useful

capable of being put to use or account a functional knowledge of auto mechanics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 To keep the stockpile functional, technical teams must extract, purify, machine, and recycle this material without interruption. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 The Low-Literacy Default Global data shows clear declines in functional literacy and critical thinking skills, a trend that tech platforms are actively capitalizing on. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 In one incident allegedly witnessed by a senior producer, Brubaker pointed a functional firearm at Noohu’s face and pulled the trigger. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026 Berrigan said that the jury would have to decide if Scott could be considered fully functional. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for functional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional

Adjective

Keeping that infrastructure operational requires more than maintaining the missiles themselves.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
At the same time, the operational organization of a sports car racing alliance needs to be built on a solid base business to support its efforts on track.

— Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of operational

Adjective

That control system aims to extract more useful energy from each combustion cycle.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
An analyst who can check something in a minute will check it, and then check the thing the first answer suggested, and the useful finding tends to turn up two or three steps in.

— David Zwick, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

Newcastle were not content, though, and with Woltemade made available, an attacker was sought.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Bonnell also uses a belt drive as standard equipment for quieter, lower-maintenance operation, with an optional 520 chain conversion available for riders who prefer a more traditional setup.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of available

Adjective

That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Definition of operating

Adjective

David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Hagerman, the hair stylist in Oklahoma City, finds that explanation applicable to her life.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
The company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) page now redirects to Rocket Mortgage, so reviews are no longer applicable for the marketplace.

— Dan Simms, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of applicable

Adjective

Also, at least one Dolls doctor, the administrative complaint said, skipped steps in pre-operative risk evaluation of anesthesia and the surgery to be performed or at least failed to document taking each of those steps.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Kiara suddenly has the ability to jump out of cable cars and scale buildings with a CIA-operative level of precision.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of operative

Adjective

Earlier models relied on broad hydrological assumptions and missed practical engineering hurdles.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
Giving manufacturers a practical way to reverse that integrity at the end of life could help turn some of those expensive materials back into feedstock instead of waste.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

Parenting a child comes with unique stressors, from small daily hassles like getting kids out the door on time for school to the bigger assignment of raising a functioning, happy and healthy human.

— Daniel M. Bagner, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Two years later, that land was a functioning commercial development with healthcare services, co-working space, community banking and retail tenants serving a neighborhood that had none of those things before.

— Srinivasulu Mupparaju, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026