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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of functional
There are reasons to think that the needle is pointing in the right direction for 2025-26; David Quinn, the Rangers’ head coach from 2018-21, is back in the building as Sullivan’s top assistant — and a highly functional power play, with some of these same players, was part of his calling card.
—
The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
The ultimate goal is to construct a functional battery prototype that achieves the combination of long life, high energy density, and low cost.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
The researchers produced 82 functional human oocytes, or immature egg cells, which then underwent fertilization in the lab.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
That produced 82 functional eggs, the researchers reported.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
The ultimate goal is to construct a functional battery prototype that achieves the combination of long life, high energy density, and low cost.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
The researchers produced 82 functional human oocytes, or immature egg cells, which then underwent fertilization in the lab.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
That produced 82 functional eggs, the researchers reported.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Once the new antenna becomes operational, New Norcia will be ESA’s first ground station to host two deep space antennas.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Oct. 2025
-
In addressing irreparable harm, Immergut said the state faced constitutional injury from loss of control over its Guard, operational harm from diversion of troops trained for state emergencies and public safety risks.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This list is designed to be useful and expansive for all, the new and old to permaculture, and those merely seeking perspective.—
Catherine Habgood
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Xecrets offers all the important elements of the excellent AxCrypt Premium at a significantly lower price, and the current version adds useful features, including Shamir’s Secret Sharing for key recovery.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
As a result, a flurry of drinks, vapes, edibles, and smokable buds — many with the potential to get users high — are now widely available on store shelves across Wisconsin.—
Gina Lee Castro,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
No toilet seat available and the lid to the water tank is missing.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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
-
But the study’s findings may not be applicable to all adults age 65 and older since the researchers focused their efforts in Canada, where patients have access to universal health care.—
Gina Park,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Tickets are $12, plus applicable taxes and fees.—
Marcus Smith,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This smaller inverse-head-and shoulders that appears the same is actually a very small part of the larger operative weekly pattern.—
Todd Gordon,
CNBC,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Entirely being the operative word.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s tunnels to crawl through, regular live performances from Quixotic that synchronize with the experience, and a functioning 240-seat theater that plans to host film festivals.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The fully functioning café will feature artisanal coffee drinks, along with a menu inspired by the series and guided by Colicchio.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Playful and practical John and Catherine’s grandchildren also have their own suite, though Catherine and Justice made the design choices for them.—
Lennie Omalza,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Why not put all those periods of training camp work to practical use?—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share