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 team is improved, has a deeper roster, no longer pretends Kris Bryant is a major league player and features more functional pitchers (No, seriously).
—
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
For several years, the creative has owned an apartment in the French capital’s 9th arrondissement—a 753-square-foot space that, since becoming a new mother, Chen wanted to make more family-friendly and functional.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2026
Join renowned interior designer Joni Koenig of Joni Koenig Interiors (JKI) for an inspiring morning on creating a beautiful, functional home.
—Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Fully functional quantum batteries could eventually power quantum computers or small conventional electronic devices.
—New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
For several years, the creative has owned an apartment in the French capital’s 9th arrondissement—a 753-square-foot space that, since becoming a new mother, Chen wanted to make more family-friendly and functional.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2026
Join renowned interior designer Joni Koenig of Joni Koenig Interiors (JKI) for an inspiring morning on creating a beautiful, functional home.
—Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Fully functional quantum batteries could eventually power quantum computers or small conventional electronic devices.
—New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
But it's come a long way, and the top regulator says that the state could see a more fully operational, steady market by the end of the year.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Hutchinson stressed that fee increases are separate from bond funds, because bonds cannot pay for operational costs the fees cover, like books and meals.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For homeowners, spring is a useful time to review records for mortgage interest, property taxes, home office expenses, if applicable, and receipts for major home improvements that may be worth keeping for future tax purposes.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Listen fully, because useful details hide in ordinary words.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
With abundant nutrients available, algal growth can explode, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
4 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
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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
-
Hang window boxes or baskets if applicable.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Special train times may be added for additional matches and will be communicated in advance if applicable.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
4 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
-
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
-
Velasquez said Chait placed a strong emphasis on communication, recalling that district leaders recently sent administrators guidance on reassuring families that schools would remain safe and functioning.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Dealings with co-workers will be practical but sympathetic.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The stars favor practical compassion, where optimism pairs with accountability and follow-through.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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