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
This model turned out to be as advertised: an attractive, streamlined, functional device that looks cute as hell in my kitchen, and its slim design keeps it from dominating an entire section of my counters.
—
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
Voters clearly asked for functional borders and a more efficient government, and the OBBBA takes valuable steps toward both.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Though technically an edible root, garlic is considered a functional spice due to its significant nutrient profile.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 9 July 2025
This linen-blend set includes a billowy boat neck crop tank with a stretchy elastic band at the bottom, plus a pair of flowy, wide-leg pants with two functional pockets.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
Voters clearly asked for functional borders and a more efficient government, and the OBBBA takes valuable steps toward both.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Though technically an edible root, garlic is considered a functional spice due to its significant nutrient profile.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 9 July 2025
This linen-blend set includes a billowy boat neck crop tank with a stretchy elastic band at the bottom, plus a pair of flowy, wide-leg pants with two functional pockets.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
PINNs are already used for specific applications, but full operational deployment holds transformational capabilities.—
Renny Vandewege,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Hope Florida, the First Lady’s signature initiative, appears disorganized at best, with poor planning, incomplete records and no clear operational transparency.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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The Pixel 9 Pro XL produces great photos that capture outstanding, clear details, and the generative AI app, Pixel Studio, is a fun and useful creative tool.—
Jade Chung-Lee,
PC Magazine,
12 July 2025
-
There's no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they’re not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Pink Floyd Claims 10% of the Chart The band fills four spaces on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart this frame, claiming 10% of all available real estate.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Bond hearings, previously available to many immigrants, are now prohibited except in rare cases where ICE officers grant parole.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 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
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Educate employees on what constitutes discrimination and harassment under applicable federal and state laws.—
Elissa Rossi,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Starting in the sixth round, the draft order is set by a complicated formula that includes the team’s overall record in 2024 and when it was eliminated from the postseason (if applicable).—
Melissa Lockard,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
And, yes, lead is the operative verb for them here.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
19 July 2025
-
Nothing can work while this terrible magnet is operative.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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To bridge this growing gap, companies are turning to Artificial Intelligence, not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution.—
Kara Dennison,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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The Quince Leather Jewelry Box checks all the boxes of the perfect jewelry organizer: spacious, practical, and stylish.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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That’s where the distinction between applied and contextual AI becomes critical.—
ByTheodore Krantz Jr,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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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 25 Jul. 2025.
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