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
Over the past two years, more than 10% of Gaza’s population is dead or wounded; about 90% of its population has been displaced; 78% of all structures have been destroyed or damaged; 95% of hospitals have been rendered non-functional; and 90% of the schools have been damaged or destroyed.
—
Shibley Telhami, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
However, the bill did not face as much opposition as AB 1064, which critics warned would break the technology integral to creating a functional AI chatbot.
—Kate Wolffe
october 13, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Conversations can take the form of surveys, listening sessions, cross-functional working groups, or even informal feedback loops.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Every curve and seam exists for a reason—usually functional, sometimes poetic.
—New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Shibley Telhami, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
However, the bill did not face as much opposition as AB 1064, which critics warned would break the technology integral to creating a functional AI chatbot.
—Kate Wolffe
october 13, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Conversations can take the form of surveys, listening sessions, cross-functional working groups, or even informal feedback loops.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Every curve and seam exists for a reason—usually functional, sometimes poetic.
—New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
The paper addresses operational procedures, describing mechanical and electrical triggers, containment strategies for managing gases, and a full process timeline of roughly 335 minutes from initiation to material extraction.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Tuesday was filled with intensive coaching and mentorship sessions with Walmart and Sam's Club merchants, sourcing experts and past Open Call alumni about scaling up production, improving packaging, and strengthening their financial and operational readiness.—
Serenah McKay,
Arkansas Online,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Energy harvesters—devices that capture energy from the environment—can make electronics and industrial operations more efficient by converting waste heat into useful electricity.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Oct. 2025
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Considering the loss to the Rangers was a one-goal game until five minutes remained and this loss to the Bruins was also close on the scoreboard, a useful power play could have flipped the script on either game.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Several people at the meeting expressed the desire for more communication around resources that are available to small-business owners.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The remedy provided in this subsection shall not preclude any remedy available under State or Federal law.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Oct. 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
-
The Council said McCabe is authorized to continue carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Controller in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and procedures to safeguard the nation’s financial integrity and ensure continuity of government operations.—
Arlyssa D. Becenti,
AZCentral.com,
10 Oct. 2025
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Dolan’s new contract also provides for an annual target bonus opportunity equal to at least three times her actual salary paid during the applicable year.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Henry’s operative term is plyometrics, referring to short bursts of exercise that build agility.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
8 Oct. 2025
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Usually, this does not include lodging, transportation, or post-operative assistance.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In 2004, a constitutional amendment created the National Council of Justice to manage the judiciary, which has vastly improved the functioning and autonomy of the courts.—
Omar G. Encarnación,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Sep. 2025
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There’s tunnels to crawl through, regular live performances from Quixotic that synchronize with the experience, and a functioning 240-seat theater that plans to host film festivals.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This orbital propellant transfer capability, which SpaceX plans to demonstrate next year, will allow ships to launch with minimal fuel mass and top up in Earth orbit, making long-distance missions far more practical.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Oct. 2025
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The collection debuts in time with the release of the iPhone 17, creating new ways to protect screens and embrace playful, stylish accessories that are practical and resilient.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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