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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of functional
My executive assistant Jack and I work hard on functional systems.
—
Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026
Leinweber said there have been multiple instances for which the current cameras were not functional when needed most.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Industrial application partners include FORT Robotics, Inventec, KION Group and Neurealm, which are developing functional safety agents using the NVIDIA Halos Outside-In Safety Blueprint.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
That could mean running company-wide meetings on an executive’s behalf, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, or even conducting initial performance reviews for an executive’s direct reports, Khan predicts.
—Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026
Leinweber said there have been multiple instances for which the current cameras were not functional when needed most.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Industrial application partners include FORT Robotics, Inventec, KION Group and Neurealm, which are developing functional safety agents using the NVIDIA Halos Outside-In Safety Blueprint.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
That could mean running company-wide meetings on an executive’s behalf, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, or even conducting initial performance reviews for an executive’s direct reports, Khan predicts.
—Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
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And commercial inventories have hit operational stress levels.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
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These systems bring together process controls and operational know-how to help manage plant performance and lower project risks.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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The resulting material delivers an energy content comparable to anthracite coal, offering a potential pathway for turning difficult waste streams into useful resources.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
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Our expert take The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
However, in the latest year available, 2024, with tighter restrictions than in the past, one animal was shot by an officer.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
The cause and manner of death for Moore, 39, were not immediately available.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
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Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.—
Rachel Nostrant,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Erie Mayor Andrew Moore said the executive sessions followed all applicable laws and that nothing improper had been brought to the town's attention.—
Sarah Horbacewicz,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
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Cohen said Humble Robotics is working to make cabless vehicles applicable to public roads, particularly those surrounding the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Adjective
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The above scenarios are all post-operative timelines, but not all hamstring injuries are treated surgically.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
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Post-operative care is provided with a special kit containing shampoos, lotions, and medical products, and the clinic maintains high hygiene standards by sanitizing procedure rooms through ultraviolet technology.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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Aquarius January 20 – February 18 When opinions clash, lead with practical care.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2026
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As a practical example, the Knicks would love to bring Shamet back to the team next season.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2026
Adjective
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The location had critical issues with non-functioning refrigeration units, which led to food being stored at unsafe temperatures, city officials said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 May 2026
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Collins says cleaning a functioning or newer dryer once every two years is sufficient to clear our major blocks and prevent more serious complications, such as clogs that can lead to fires.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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