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
The distinction here isn’t moral, but functional: smart dumb leaves a trail behind it; dumb dumb disappears by design.
—
Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025
Peepers offers a variety of reading glasses designed to be both stylish and functional.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Without hitting these life stages, fashion has lost its functional purpose.
—Essence, 4 Aug. 2025
The pants have functional front and back pockets and come in four washes, plus petite sizes S–XXL.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025
Peepers offers a variety of reading glasses designed to be both stylish and functional.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Without hitting these life stages, fashion has lost its functional purpose.
—Essence, 4 Aug. 2025
The pants have functional front and back pockets and come in four washes, plus petite sizes S–XXL.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Despite these risks, even if the market is presently undervaluing Eli Lilly's stock due to Novo Nordisk's possible lead in the race for an oral weight-loss pill, the company's strong fundamentals and operational performance indicate ongoing substantial revenue growth.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The mine has been operational since the early 1900s.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Two class-action lawsuits have been filed against the app following the hacks and users are questioning whether the app is actually useful in safeguarding the lives of women.—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
5 Aug. 2025
-
This is particularly useful now that most new smartphones and laptops are being sold with Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The rookie fifth-round pick got the start with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel all out of the lineup, leaving Sanders and Tyler Huntley as the only two available QBs.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Aug. 2025
-
An archive of the most recent 30 editions of the Indianapolis Star is available to subscribers at IndyStar.com/enewspaper.—
Eric Larsen,
IndyStar,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The disconnect between operating performance and net income suggests potential one-time gains or non-operating income that may not be sustainable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Hims & Hers has said consumers may still be able to access personalized doses through its site if clinically applicable.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
4 Aug. 2025
-
These five fundamental savings strategies are applicable to any income-level or age group, and essential for long-term financial stability.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The operative word there is ‘open’ — that there’s a reliable, open line of communication.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Her exit is the full employment political operative Act because of the number of candidates for CA GOV that will be running for this office.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Open banking never had a moment like that in Western markets, a large-scale, practical reason for consumers to try something new.—
Mustafa Khanwala,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
For Kahani, the shift was both philosophical and practical.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With developers and non-developers alike embracing AI agents to automate, iterate, and build entire applications, this space is becoming one of the hottest frontiers in applied artificial intelligence.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
In the life sciences segment, Blair said that while clinical and applied markets demand was good globally, it was offset by weak demand in academic and government end markets — a continuation of the dynamics seen in recent quarters.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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