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
Taking their place was the Hall of Education (built with private funds), which stands today, and other functional structures.
—
John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Kitchen countertops have evolved from purely functional surfaces into one of the most expressive elements in your kitchen.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
This attention to making more purposeful and functional purchases will also be reflected in denim that offers high-comfort performance, breathability and longevity.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
This approach makes a lived in space functional and elegant.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Kitchen countertops have evolved from purely functional surfaces into one of the most expressive elements in your kitchen.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
This attention to making more purposeful and functional purchases will also be reflected in denim that offers high-comfort performance, breathability and longevity.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2026
This approach makes a lived in space functional and elegant.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
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But food hubs also have high startup and operational costs, challenges with maintaining a consistent supply and demand and recruiting skilled leadership and staff, and navigating organizational, regulatory and food safety requirements, Perez said.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
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New operational concept for mine countermeasures The vessel is equipped with a TSAM towed sonar and on board the SAMDIS multi-view sonar.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The planner pages include monthly calendar views, weekly spreads, address pages, lined note paper, and useful facts at a glance.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
6 Jan. 2026
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When walking the halls this week, don’t ignore the less exciting but useful window washer, bartender, or snowblower.—
Jason Corso,
Fortune,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The ecommerce giant is also expected to make its clothing lines available in five Galeries Lafayette malls, which like BHV is owned by the Société des Grands Magasins (SGM) group in the cities of Dijon, Grenoble, Reims, Angers, and Limoges, though the dates are not set.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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With most products available online, often at lower prices, department stores must offer some real value to the brick-and-mortar shopper.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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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With over 35,000 monthly active users, the platform is designed to allow users to explore different ways of using their digital rewards, depending on availability and applicable guidelines.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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Brandon Cwalina, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which runs Medicaid in the state, said the state already requires every Medicaid applicant to verify their citizenship or, where applicable, their eligible immigration status.—
Kff Health News,
Denver Post,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Budanov, who has survived numerous assassination attempts, began his career as a special forces operative and served in the east after Russia illegally annexed Crimea and its proxies took over Ukraine’s eastern fringes.—
Reuters 6 hr ago,
CNN Money,
2 Jan. 2026
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Their pre-operative assessment involves a thorough analysis of the airway.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Immigrants make up nearly one quarter of Illinois’ workforce and are essential to industries that keep communities healthy and functioning.—
Anabel Mendoza,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
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The system interprets this visual input and converts it into a functioning, interactive prototype.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Dirty Truths reminds us that renewal can be both beautiful and practical.—
Essence,
Essence,
5 Nov. 2025
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The canals and pond, which were aggregately 193,000 cubic meters in volume and appear to have no practical purpose, would have taken 255,000 days of labor by a single individual.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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