FUNCTIONAL Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

functional

adjective

ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl

Definition of functional

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

as in useful

capable of being put to use or account a functional knowledge of auto mechanics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Centuries later, philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre distinguished external goods, such as money and status, from goods internal to a practice, such as a farmer’s growing mastery of her land or an architect’s pursuit of elegant, functional design. — Stacy Keltner, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026 The accumulating damage persistently activates the innate immune system—the body’s first line of defense—leading to what is known as inflammaging, functional decline and chronic diseases of old age. — Kristel Tjandra, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026 But protecting existing fibers and stimulating new protein production are not the same as rebuilding a functional elastic network. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 Physical therapists often use the 30-second sit-to-stand test as a general assessment of functional lower-body strength and endurance. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for functional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional

Adjective

The stark contradiction between classroom theory and real world events sparked his curiosity regarding financial systems and influenced his perspective on how economic policy should manage operational risks.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Human personnel retain oversight of the identification process and subsequent operational decisions.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of operational

Adjective

Evidence remains mixed, and dreams could also be an experiential by-product of useful sleeping-brain activity, rather than an adaptation with its own job description.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
However, many of them still have enough capacity to remain useful for several more years.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

The House Republican Organization, the GOP caucus’ main campaign arm, had only about $239,400 available through the same period.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
For families Some room types offer additional space with pull-out sofas or room for a pack and play (available upon request).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of available

Adjective

The Georgia park was closed on Tuesday for a pre-scheduled non-operating day, officials said.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of operating

Adjective

Alaska Public Media's Liz Ruskin spoke with election law experts, who found no applicable laws but noted that the conduct described crosses moral and ethical lines.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, state officials are reviewing ETS's compliance with applicable data security requirements and its contractual obligations.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of applicable

Adjective

When Wilson sent me her timeline, her request for the operative actions of the city (resolutions and ordinances) was nearly four weeks old.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
The operative issue is whether the complication was caused by substandard care.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of operative

Adjective

Maxwell also highlighted that the aircraft is being designed around the practical requirements of cargo and logistics operators.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
In the 1940s haute couture status brought practical advantages, but as postwar shortages eased in the early 1950s, those benefits diminished.

— Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

Parenting a child comes with unique stressors, from small daily hassles like getting kids out the door on time for school to the bigger assignment of raising a functioning, happy and healthy human.

— Daniel M. Bagner, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Two years later, that land was a functioning commercial development with healthcare services, co-working space, community banking and retail tenants serving a neighborhood that had none of those things before.

— Srinivasulu Mupparaju, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026