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
Combining her New England background with classic Southern style, founder Kate Figler layers modern pieces, antiques, and plenty of florals in her bright, functional spaces.
—
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025
With vibrant colors and unique patterns on each piece, these blates bring a stylish accent to any kitchen, and their functional shape works for almost every type of meal.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
Instead, the move was driven by client needs and Accenture’s ambition to deliver integrated solutions combining industry knowledge, technical expertise, data, AI, and functional capabilities as a single offering.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2025
The team used sheet metal welding to achieve the most basic functional design for a bipedal robot.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025
With vibrant colors and unique patterns on each piece, these blates bring a stylish accent to any kitchen, and their functional shape works for almost every type of meal.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
Instead, the move was driven by client needs and Accenture’s ambition to deliver integrated solutions combining industry knowledge, technical expertise, data, AI, and functional capabilities as a single offering.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2025
The team used sheet metal welding to achieve the most basic functional design for a bipedal robot.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Soldier feedback from the event is shaping ongoing enhancements to ensure warfighter readiness and operational relevance in dynamic threat environments, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Indeed, those leaders would be remiss not to seek AI operational efficiencies for the benefit of their shareholders.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Anger is a useful fuel at the beginning of a story.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
1 Sep. 2025
-
However, Key Moments stands out as a genuinely useful feature that requires virtually no effort or expertise from the user.—
Paul Monckton,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Night aircraft is available for use if needed and if conditions permit.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
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
-
Breakups are not universally applicable.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The findings may also not be fully applicable to the broader public, given that all study participants were older European adults.—
Brian Mastroianni,
Health,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This synergy—forged through familiarity and trust—minimizes variability, reduces operative time, and elevates patient safety.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
As for non-operative, non-surgical treatments, osteoarthritis management could look like a combination of physical therapy, exercise and medications, Garbarino says.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But late last year, Arkansas terminated its contract with the company, citing numerous missed deadlines and non-functioning systems.—
Vivian Jones,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Their next goal is to turn the system into a practical tool for early fire detection.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Sep. 2025
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The result is a service that understands the practical needs of businesses and individuals while also recognizing that behind every booking there is a story, a purpose, or a challenge that deserves attention.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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