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
Atkinson plays the titular role, a clueless man who lives alone, rarely speaks, and struggles to exist as a functional adult in the world.
—
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026
Some residents blamed the flooding on clogged drainage systems, stating that city authorities ought to have prepared by ensuring there was functional drainage infrastructure ahead of the rainy season.
—ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
Location, access, parking, configuration, tenant mix, zoning, expansion potential, functional limitations and redevelopment possibilities all play a role in how the property should be positioned.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
Other weeds simply detract from the visual or functional aspects of the lawn.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026
Some residents blamed the flooding on clogged drainage systems, stating that city authorities ought to have prepared by ensuring there was functional drainage infrastructure ahead of the rainy season.
—ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
Location, access, parking, configuration, tenant mix, zoning, expansion potential, functional limitations and redevelopment possibilities all play a role in how the property should be positioned.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
Other weeds simply detract from the visual or functional aspects of the lawn.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Winners Alliance did not control GST’s board, did not direct GST’s operational decisions, and did not instruct GST on whether, when, or how to stage events.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Maintaining operational compatibility across both submarine generations is intended to preserve continuity within the United States’ nuclear triad as the fleet evolves, reports Army Recognition.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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January 20 – February 18 New ideas connect friends in surprisingly useful ways.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
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The number is most useful as an upper-end benchmark; individual budgets will vary.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million.—
Russell Flannery,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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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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The Downey Fire Department rescue vehicle that responded was not equipped with a Tremco anti-theft locking device required under state law and applicable Fire Department standards, the family’s attorneys argue.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Under the law applicable to dependent administrations, the home-builder was required to commence a lawsuit in the court of original probate jurisdiction in which the estate was pending within 90 days after the rejection date, or its claim would be barred.—
Virginia Hammerle,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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His campaign has gained the backing of controversial right-wing radio host and political operative Dan Proft of Naples, Florida, as well as far-right former legislator Jeanne Ives, now a member of the Republican State Central Committee.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
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The long-standing phrase energy transition remains operative for much of the world—though others reject it.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Velasquez said Chait placed a strong emphasis on communication, recalling that district leaders recently sent administrators guidance on reassuring families that schools would remain safe and functioning.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
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At the same time, Maguire ventured into opposition territory to serve as an emergency centre-forward — rarely a sign of a functioning game plan.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Your 2nd house also supports practical purchases, which is a great reminder to make durable, budget-respectful choices over flashy upgrades.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
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Gas prices are rising again, and many drivers are looking for practical ways to save money at the pump as costs climb.—
Keith Laing,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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