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
Hyrox is an indoor fitness race or competition that combines running with functional exercises.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Like many in the software community, Stenberg gets help from security researchers to keep his software functional and secure.
—Huo Jingnan, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
The meetings typically take place in a bland but functional meeting room at the union headquarters building in Koreatown.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
At Wayfair, even a modest refund can go a long way toward something beautiful and functional.
—Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Like many in the software community, Stenberg gets help from security researchers to keep his software functional and secure.
—Huo Jingnan, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
The meetings typically take place in a bland but functional meeting room at the union headquarters building in Koreatown.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
At Wayfair, even a modest refund can go a long way toward something beautiful and functional.
—Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
In response, both agencies have introduced major operational changes aimed at improving coordination and public safety.—
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The task of further enrichment requires operational centrifuges, but the current capacity of Iran’s nuclear program is unclear, some analysts said.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With Mercury active in your friendship zone and linking to Pluto in your learning sector, conversations can turn into something useful.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The Bowling Green transfer’s background as a corner shows up in useful ways.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The pair is available in two lengths to accommodate tall and petite shoppers, and in 10 shades for easy matching.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Sleeves, braces and more available.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.—
Rachel Nostrant,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Jan. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Here’s an overview of this year’s WOW events including their locations, show times and ticket information, if applicable.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Those in need of support will need to have their student ID number, device serial number and device IMEI number (if applicable).—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But the operative word is delayed, not destroyed.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
-
These laws are only required today because Democrats have put in place operative policies that allow for people who are not legal voters to be voting.—
Special to the Sun-Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Broken Belongings Non-functioning items, such as broken appliances or electronics, can hinder positive feng shui.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Investigators say the error was compounded by non-functioning signal systems along with failures in staffing, oversight and maintenance during years of delays in safety upgrades.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The dimness of the shuttle gallery also assists in the immersive fantasy, both as an artistic choice and a practical one due to the shuttle’s sensitivity to light.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
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The organization says death doulas offer psychosocial, emotional, spiritual and practical care.—
Francie Ebert,
NBC news,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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