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
There, these functional artworks — from clerical vestments and altar cloths to lamps, reliquaries and vessels for the performance of the Mass — made distant European rulers present in the liturgical life of Christianity’s most sacred site.
—
Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
These materials reflect the efficiency of natural systems while offering exceptional mechanical and functional properties for industrial use.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
KeySmart transforms ordinary items like keys, wallets and multi-tools into sleek, functional and portable solutions.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
The French philosopher argued that the author is not a true creator but a functional, historical construct designed to classify and limit the meaning of texts.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
These materials reflect the efficiency of natural systems while offering exceptional mechanical and functional properties for industrial use.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
KeySmart transforms ordinary items like keys, wallets and multi-tools into sleek, functional and portable solutions.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
The French philosopher argued that the author is not a true creator but a functional, historical construct designed to classify and limit the meaning of texts.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
The Arak plant has not been operational since Israel attacked it last June.—
Farnoush Amiri,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Solar customers who had their systems installed under earlier iterations of the tariff still get compensated at the retail rate for 20 years from the time their systems became operational before the new rules affect them.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That's unusual for a drone in this category and genuinely useful for anyone shooting in tight spaces or urban environments.—
Omar Kardoudi
March 27,
New Atlas,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Fortunately, Darwin has a big brain to go with all those useful legs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
April itself may feel too full for an extended escape, but don't overlook what's available close by.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
An update for that spot was not immediately available Friday.—
Jenna Thompson
March 28,
Kansas City Star,
28 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
-
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
-
International travelers should also call the applicable campground to reserve a campsite.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
-
There had been periodic height limits applicable to La Jolla Shores, but in one gap between limits, Hotel La Jolla had been rapidly built.—
Richard Dahlberg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
These laws are only required today because Democrats have put in place operative policies that allow for people who are not legal voters to be voting.—
Special to the Sun-Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Then, trace your finger to its peak, which, to me, was his starring role as smoldering special forces operative Scott McCoy in the 1986 action movie The Delta Force, co-starring a frail-looking but grizzled and unsmiling Lee Marvin in his last movie.—
John DeVore,
Rolling Stone,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Investigators say the error was compounded by non-functioning signal systems along with failures in staffing, oversight and maintenance during years of delays in safety upgrades.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Headway Premium offers a more practical way to keep learning, with lifetime access now available for $51 as part of a sitewide sale with promo code MARCH15.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The pattern-aware Moon activates your 10th House of Career, supporting practical steps that showcase your skills and leadership in all settings.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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