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
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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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There is plenty of financial information available on the Internet.—
Hersh Shefrin,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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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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Educate employees on what constitutes discrimination and harassment under applicable federal and state laws.—
Elissa Rossi,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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That law remains applicable to those sentenced under it.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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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
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That’s where the distinction between applied and contextual AI becomes critical.—
ByTheodore Krantz Jr,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.—
Paul Bierman,
The Conversation,
15 May 2025
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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