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
Leaders nod in the room, refine the public narrative and continue protecting functional territory.
—
Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Those are numbers that suggest the fit isn’t just functional.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Every space is different, and the best kitchen organization solutions feel functional and tailored to their spaces.
—Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026
Simone suggests a statement pendant over the island or under-cabinet lighting for better task visibility to make the space feel brighter, more modern, and more functional.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Those are numbers that suggest the fit isn’t just functional.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Every space is different, and the best kitchen organization solutions feel functional and tailored to their spaces.
—Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026
Simone suggests a statement pendant over the island or under-cabinet lighting for better task visibility to make the space feel brighter, more modern, and more functional.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
The strategic capital allocation serves distinct operational needs.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
-
While Units 3 and 4 at the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant remain operational, work to replace them has already begun, with concrete pouring for Units 7 and 8 scheduled to start in March 2024 and March 2025, respectively.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Creator cards with follower counts, post volume and engagement are useful signals.—
Gabriel Alin Zainescu,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Our expert take The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is an excellent business card with useful benefits, valuable rewards and a generous welcome bonus.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
-
The series will be available across mobile devices, connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, JioTV and Airtel Xstream.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.—
Rachel Nostrant,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Whether compensation is available, though, will depend on the circumstances, the parties involved and applicable state laws.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
Jurors unanimously concluded Musk’s claims were filed too late and fell outside the applicable statute of limitations.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
The above scenarios are all post-operative timelines, but not all hamstring injuries are treated surgically.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
Post-operative care is provided with a special kit containing shampoos, lotions, and medical products, and the clinic maintains high hygiene standards by sanitizing procedure rooms through ultraviolet technology.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Your creativity is flowing and needs a practical outlet during the Cancer moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
This approach also created a practical niche beneath the staircase, providing a convenient place for books, phones, watches, and other personal items while adding a sense of home to the journey.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
The location had critical issues with non-functioning refrigeration units, which led to food being stored at unsafe temperatures, city officials said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 May 2026
-
Collins says cleaning a functioning or newer dryer once every two years is sufficient to clear our major blocks and prevent more serious complications, such as clogs that can lead to fires.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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