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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 This model turned out to be as advertised: an attractive, streamlined, functional device that looks cute as hell in my kitchen, and its slim design keeps it from dominating an entire section of my counters. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025 Voters clearly asked for functional borders and a more efficient government, and the OBBBA takes valuable steps toward both. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 Though technically an edible root, garlic is considered a functional spice due to its significant nutrient profile. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 9 July 2025 This linen-blend set includes a billowy boat neck crop tank with a stretchy elastic band at the bottom, plus a pair of flowy, wide-leg pants with two functional pockets. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
  • Consider traveling with a compact Starlink Mini, as satellite internet often remains operational even when other internet services are down.
    Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
  • Cook, 64, has been Apple’s CEO for nearly 14 years and is widely respected for his operational acumen.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • There's no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they’re not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • The Pixel 9 Pro XL produces great photos that capture outstanding, clear details, and the generative AI app, Pixel Studio, is a fun and useful creative tool.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • But if McDavid ever does become available, Toronto would have to find a way to get involved in the bidding.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • There is plenty of financial information available on the Internet.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 6 July 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
  • 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
  • Educate employees on what constitutes discrimination and harassment under applicable federal and state laws.
    Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • That law remains applicable to those sentenced under it.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Whether Iran is weeks, months or years away from being able to test a weapon after the damage inflicted on its program is not the operative question.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Merkley asked the presiding chair, first-term Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), if the House reconciliation bill used current law as the operative baseline when it was first laid before the Senate.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Quince Leather Jewelry Box checks all the boxes of the perfect jewelry organizer: spacious, practical, and stylish.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • To bridge this growing gap, companies are turning to Artificial Intelligence, not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • That’s where the distinction between applied and contextual AI becomes critical.
    ByTheodore Krantz Jr, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.
    Paul Bierman, The Conversation, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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