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
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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
But too few individuals mean their functional roles, like improving soil, go unrealized across vast areas.
—
Paige Stein, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Currently, after 12 years, this AMP program is incomplete and not fully functional.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026
The study confirmed that the catalyst remains stable and functional over ten production cycles.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
While these shoes look like a standard pair of sneakers, the laces are more decorative than functional.
—Mary Beth Skylis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Paige Stein, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Currently, after 12 years, this AMP program is incomplete and not fully functional.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026
The study confirmed that the catalyst remains stable and functional over ten production cycles.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
While these shoes look like a standard pair of sneakers, the laces are more decorative than functional.
—Mary Beth Skylis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
On September 15th, 1916, land warfare was forever revolutionized with the first operational appearance of the tank.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
1 May 2026
-
The Iran conflict has sent jet fuel costs soaring, devastating budget airlines such as Spirit that operate on razor-thin margins and cannot absorb higher operational expenses.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
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.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
Sites that preserve soft-bodied organisms are even rarer because soft tissues decompose more easily, making these places especially useful for piecing together prehistoric ecosystems.—
Marlowe Starling,
Quanta Magazine,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Fares are available at Southwest’s ticket counters.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
Brain scans were not widely available, and there was scant knowledge of sleep stages such as REM sleep, when more vivid dreams take place.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 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
-
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
-
All my actions, communications or legal responses will adhere strictly to the applicable statutes, regulations and constitutional provisions at both the federal and state levels.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
Prosecutorial independence and discretion are limited by State Bar rules, applicable laws and the courts.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
From 2021 to 2023, about two-thirds of adults over 65 had hypertension, according to the operative definition at the time.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Endless is the operative word at Lavo Italian Restaurant’s weekend brunch, where the traditional sit-down meal gives way to a high‑energy, indulgent experience that feels unmistakably Vegas.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
September 23 – October 22 A practical step helps steady everything today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
5 May 2026
-
My experience working with local governments, workers, educators, businesses and community leaders has reinforced the importance of practical solutions that deliver real results.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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