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
What makes Alo such a staple for travelers is how seamlessly its pieces transition from long flights to workouts to full days of exploring, making activewear staples like workout leggings flattering and functional enough to wear anywhere.
—
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
Ceci added a fascinating note to me, pointing out that the machine was, of course, proving its functional worth by beating itself up about its extravagant commitment to at-your-service functionality.
—D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
Custom cabinets usually address specific aesthetic, functional, and spatial requirements of homeowners and businesses.
—Lauren Carpenter, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Hospitals have not been spared; most are no longer functional.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
Ceci added a fascinating note to me, pointing out that the machine was, of course, proving its functional worth by beating itself up about its extravagant commitment to at-your-service functionality.
—D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
Custom cabinets usually address specific aesthetic, functional, and spatial requirements of homeowners and businesses.
—Lauren Carpenter, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Hospitals have not been spared; most are no longer functional.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
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Impact: Reduction in operational bottlenecks, improved efficiency and better citizen service without increasing headcount.—
Buyan Thyagarajan,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Combs founded the company in 2012 but held no operational role for many years.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fortunately, the city’s tourism agency provides a useful map showing 32 options and how to reach them.—
Valeriya Safronova,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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The Texans need depth on the interior of the line, and Cox could develop into a useful player.—
Bryce Lazenby,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Which player-team pairings seem best? Winners and losers from Round 1 Best available players for Friday Several prominent prospects are still waiting to hear their name get called during the 2025 NFL Draft.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.—
Arlyssa D. Becenti,
The Arizona Republic,
27 Oct. 2022
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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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Technically, federal holidays are applicable only to federal employees and the District of Columbia, meaning states individually determine their legal holidays, according to the Congressional Research Service.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Always track your earnings, save for taxes if applicable, and keep records of invoices and payments to manage your freelance business professionally. 7.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Edge computing presents its own set of challenges in industrial environments, and enterprises must take into account the operative aspects of managing on-site applications across numerous locations, often with varying degrees of connectivity and resource availability.—
Carl Moberg,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Beyond the part itself, the bureau recommends that people ensure their car alarms are operative and to park in safe locations.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Series Methodologies and practical guides for introducing research and scholarship in the classroom.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
21 Apr. 2025
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And her people immediately rushed to assist her in practical ways.—
Kathryn Jean Lopez,
National Review,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Goals workshop: The American Association of University Women Poway/PQ branch will host Vicki Halsey, vice president of applied learning with the Ken Blanchard Companies.—
Pomerado News,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
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While a regional court in Cologne initially recognized four of Birkenstock’s shoe models as works of applied art and granted the company’s orders in 2017, a higher regional court in the city later overturned the orders on appeal in 2022.—
Karen K. Ho,
ARTnews.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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