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
Those long legs and that light frame were functional adaptations for chasing prey on solid ground.
—
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
Her work emphasizes nourishment over restriction and positions functional beverages as daily tools for resilience and vitality.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
That said, the Vera Bradley Large Pouch is a functional addition to your travel gear collection.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
Here’s a look at eight common items that should never be stored under the kitchen sink for safety and functional reasons, plus the best items to store there instead.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2026
Her work emphasizes nourishment over restriction and positions functional beverages as daily tools for resilience and vitality.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
That said, the Vera Bradley Large Pouch is a functional addition to your travel gear collection.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
Here’s a look at eight common items that should never be stored under the kitchen sink for safety and functional reasons, plus the best items to store there instead.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
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Protecting critical cable infrastructure NKT has announced that the T3600 subsea trencher is scheduled to be commercially operational in 2027.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
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That often doesn’t include operational costs like packaging and transportation, which have risen in the last year.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 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.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2026
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Multiple pockets—including an interior security pocket—offer plenty of room for essentials, which is especially useful on travel days when easy access matters.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Mobility and kids tours are available too.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The role-playing games will be available as digital-only releases in English, Spanish and French.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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
-
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
-
Tickets are $35 plus applicable fees.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
-
These characteristics make the technology applicable to many use cases.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Could is no longer the operative word here.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Supporting them is a multilingual team that assists patients throughout the entire journey, from start to finish, from consultation to post-operative care.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
New Yorkers deserve and require a fully functioning and cohesive government.—
Kirsten John Foy,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Police say the driver stopped at the non-functioning signal but did not see the teen in the crosswalk before proceeding.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Answers tend to range from the familiar and practical (teacher or nurse), to the aspirational (astronaut or pro athlete), to the fanciful (superhero).—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
23 Feb. 2026
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Your 10th House of Bold Moves gains focus as the intuitive Moon enters, ensuring your practical mind spots the next improvement that makes work run smoothly.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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