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
For summertime, there is nothing as equally chic and functional as a caftan.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Brooklyn is the only team with legitimate functional cap space, and the rebuilding Nets seem more likely to use it to absorb bad salary (in exchange for draft picks) than to make some big splurge on another team’s third-best player.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Known for its sturdy, functional bags and enthusiastic following among surfers, skiers, skaters and other outdoor enthusiasts, Db cases were originally marketed under the brand name Douchebags when the firm was founded in 2012.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
According to multiple shoppers, the shed is easy to assemble and a functional addition to pool areas and backyards.
—Ali Faccenda, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Brooklyn is the only team with legitimate functional cap space, and the rebuilding Nets seem more likely to use it to absorb bad salary (in exchange for draft picks) than to make some big splurge on another team’s third-best player.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Known for its sturdy, functional bags and enthusiastic following among surfers, skiers, skaters and other outdoor enthusiasts, Db cases were originally marketed under the brand name Douchebags when the firm was founded in 2012.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
According to multiple shoppers, the shed is easy to assemble and a functional addition to pool areas and backyards.
—Ali Faccenda, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
They can’t be used to address most operational needs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 June 2025
-
Strategic Implications for Enterprise AI The deal structure avoids traditional acquisition scrutiny by maintaining Scale AI as an independent entity while giving Meta operational control.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
This is what makes average household income so useful in this analysis of the wealthiest cities in Arkansas.—
Andrew DePietro,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
These are much more useful for decks and outdoor cleaning, because their strength and efficiency can actually lead to interior damage.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Attorney information for him was not immediately available.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
24 June 2025
-
Ticket packages for the World Cup became available on May 6, but only for those individuals who are looking for a premium experience.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
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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
-
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in May that Trump is abiding by all applicable conflict-of-interest laws.—
Kelsey Walsh,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
-
Dealing with rage wouldn’t seem the term most applicable to Estévez, who is as amiable and animated as anyone in the Royals’ clubhouse and radiates a room-energizing presence.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
The operative part of cruising is movement: to sail to and from a place with ease.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
25 June 2025
-
Fresh off her Oscar win for 2001's Monster's Ball, Halle Berry's next step was to join the James Bond franchise in 2002's Die Another Day as NSA operative Jinx.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this ottoman offers practical use as extra seating, a footrest or a coffee table paired with a decorative tray.—
Jené Luciani Sena
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,
20 June 2025
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Nevertheless, the safety zone concept, essentially managing access to and activities around specific areas, could be a practical tool for protecting heritage sites.—
Michelle L.D. Hanlon,
Space.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
That’s where the distinction between applied and contextual AI becomes critical.—
ByTheodore Krantz Jr,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.—
Paul Bierman,
The Conversation,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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