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
Outside of the breezy material and comfy fit, the overalls also get praise from shoppers for other thoughtful design features, like a spacious breast pocket, deep side pockets, and functional back pockets.
—
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
In contrast, Gen X—raised on film cameras and early digital devices—may approach photography with a more functional mindset.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Another tilting occurred when Trump took on China by imposing a 145% tariff on all its exports to the United States, the functional equivalent of an embargo.
—Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 3 June 2025
New functional elements include modular benches done in vivid primary colors.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
In contrast, Gen X—raised on film cameras and early digital devices—may approach photography with a more functional mindset.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Another tilting occurred when Trump took on China by imposing a 145% tariff on all its exports to the United States, the functional equivalent of an embargo.
—Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 3 June 2025
New functional elements include modular benches done in vivid primary colors.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
The company touted his crucial role in spearheading Woolrich’s strategic and operational transformation through several milestone moments in its recent history.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
10 June 2025
-
This means: • Setting clear financial and operational targets.—
Luigi Damasceno,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Kagi founder suggested that licensing Google Search could allow entities of all sizes to have genuinely useful custom search tools.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
-
Share helpful, relevant content that is useful to your customers.—
Ryan Ferrier,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
With the SiriusXM deal, the show will continue to be available on Spotify, as well as YouTube, Apple Podcasts and other audio platforms.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
12 June 2025
-
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown is available via Random House.—
Janelle Brown
June 12,
Literary Hub,
12 June 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
-
As a clinical psychology researcher in training, my goal is to recruit a wide range of individuals into our studies to make our findings more applicable to all.—
Samantha N. Melendez,
Denver Post,
5 June 2025
-
An applicable passenger vehicle for the tax break also would include all-terrain vehicles and recreational vehicles, if their final assembly took place in the United States.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
True Threat follows Special Forces operative Vernon Threat (Majors), who returns home seeking justice after his teenage son is murdered by Harlem’s Apollo Kids gang.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
-
Now that this uncomfortable reality is finally out in the open, though, the operative question becomes: what is Macron's France, and the rest of Europe, actually prepared to do about it?—
Ilan Berman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
Here are a few practical tips: When trying to use your phone, text – don't call.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
-
The gun industry also disputed Mexico’s argument that manufacturers deliberately produce military-style assault rifles and other weapons that, for both practical and aesthetic reasons, appeal to mobsters.—
Patrick J. McDonnell,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
This includes tech startups like Queen One, which just signed a 10-year lease for its new headquarters in Williamsburg, joining a thriving innovation ecosystem in Brooklyn and contributing to New York City’s status as the applied AI capital of the world.—
Adolfo Carrión Jr,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2025
-
The Latin root of compliance means a physical response to force—what happens to a bodily organ under applied pressure.—
Zoe Roth
April 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share