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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of functional
This test analyzes 20 key areas of nutritional and functional health, including a detailed look at metabolism, diet and all of their vital systems—from digestive and muscular to nervous and endocrine systems.
—
Christine Persaud, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Lovevook Travel Backpack with Packing Cubes This weekender backpack, a cute yet functional option with gold hardware, a drink sleeve with adjustable straps, and a hidden pocket for valuables.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Immersing yourself in a Japanese onsen is an extraordinary experience, equal parts spiritual and physical; the ritual of bathing is contemplative rather than merely functional.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
Houston has one of the best defenses in the country and, unlike last year, has a functional offense to complement it.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Christine Persaud, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Lovevook Travel Backpack with Packing Cubes This weekender backpack, a cute yet functional option with gold hardware, a drink sleeve with adjustable straps, and a hidden pocket for valuables.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Immersing yourself in a Japanese onsen is an extraordinary experience, equal parts spiritual and physical; the ritual of bathing is contemplative rather than merely functional.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
Houston has one of the best defenses in the country and, unlike last year, has a functional offense to complement it.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
The operational side is so key.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Equipped with advanced turboshaft engines, high-efficiency rotor systems, and anti-icing technology, the military variants of the Z-20 are built for demanding operational conditions.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Yet much of Mason’s advice is simply about being useful, by delivering facts and opinions in a clear, elegant way.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
-
That being said, while measuring GDP is a useful barometer for the health of each economy, the might of America’s economy is evident.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The set is available in 19 colors, including a rich clay shade ideal for autumn.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The details of the cases were not proactively made public beyond being made available for review for anyone who files a request under the state's public records law.—
Molly Beck,
jsonline.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
The offer is applicable for a vehicle lease or purchase, according to Ann Marie Fortunate, a spokeswoman for Stellantis.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
-
These roles have given me strong skills in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and collaboration — qualities that are directly applicable to serving on the school board.—
Pioneer Press elections team,
Twin Cities,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Henry’s operative term is plyometrics, referring to short bursts of exercise that build agility.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Usually, this does not include lodging, transportation, or post-operative assistance.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
This practical gift idea keeps hands ultra-warm and cozy thanks to its fleeced interior and waterproof, windproof, and snow-proof exterior.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Remote monitoring is another practical frontier.—
Scott R. Schell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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