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
Based in Lake Stevens, Washington, Drift Interiors + Architecture can tame even the most unruly home, transforming it into a functional, personal space.
—
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
Those who were most active also saw similar benefits on measures of functional decline, which focus more on tasks such as being able to dress and take care of daily activities.
—Alice Park, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
The elastic waistband is easy to pull on and won’t dig into your midsection during long days of wear, and the front and back pockets are roomy and functional.
—Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
The open main floor is clad in calming white oak, which has been used for custom built-ins that serve as functional yet design-forward storage spaces.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
Those who were most active also saw similar benefits on measures of functional decline, which focus more on tasks such as being able to dress and take care of daily activities.
—Alice Park, Time, 3 Nov. 2025
The elastic waistband is easy to pull on and won’t dig into your midsection during long days of wear, and the front and back pockets are roomy and functional.
—Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
The open main floor is clad in calming white oak, which has been used for custom built-ins that serve as functional yet design-forward storage spaces.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
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Beyond legal costs, Powers Gardner detailed new security and operational burdens.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
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Humain has been using the AI system internally to run much of its HR, finance, legal, operational and IT departments.—
Tala Alrajjal,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Currently, the system uses external motion capture cameras for indoor testing and is therefore not useful in outdoor environments yet.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
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The mop feature is also fantastic for wood floors and very useful for spills while cooking.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The ecommerce giant is also expected to make its clothing lines available in five Galeries Lafayette malls, which like BHV is owned by the Société des Grands Magasins (SGM) group in the cities of Dijon, Grenoble, Reims, Angers, and Limoges, though the dates are not set.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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With most products available online, often at lower prices, department stores must offer some real value to the brick-and-mortar shopper.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Read on to learn 13 applicable ways to freshen the rustic look.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Nov. 2025
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Brandon Cwalina, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which runs Medicaid in the state, said the state already requires every Medicaid applicant to verify their citizenship or, where applicable, their eligible immigration status.—
Phil Galewitz,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Picture every Caribbean cliché and Barbados fits the bill, a Goldilocks island with the just-right combination of easygoing culture, world-class beaches, and co-operative weather.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
28 Oct. 2025
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Always bring a full list of your supplements to your pre-operative visit.—
Ayesha Gulzar,
Verywell Health,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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More than 60% of the capital's health facilities, including Haiti's general hospital, are now shuttered or non-functioning because of the surge in gang violence.—
NPR,
NPR,
17 Oct. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Dirty Truths reminds us that renewal can be both beautiful and practical.—
Essence,
Essence,
5 Nov. 2025
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The canals and pond, which were aggregately 193,000 cubic meters in volume and appear to have no practical purpose, would have taken 255,000 days of labor by a single individual.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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