FUNCTIONALITY Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

functional

adjective

ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl

Definition of functional

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

as in useful

capable of being put to use or account a functional knowledge of auto mechanics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Consider non-alcoholic drinks like herbal teas for ritual, functional beverages with adaptogens for calm, or kombucha for effervescence and gut health. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Hansae laid out a research vision for an emerging category—framing robot apparel not as novelty, but as the next frontier for a company that has spent decades turning functional needs into wearable solutions. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 Steven Boyd, a union steward for SEIU Local 1000, said that agencies are relying on exemptions, delays, rotations and workarounds to make the mandate appear functional. — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 To solve this issue, the team created a new tetrathiafulvalene-crown ether COF, named TUS-44, and integrated it with conductive graphene to form a TUS-44@G functional layer for Li-S batteries. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for functional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional

Adjective

Adding to this context, engineering manager Roel Verhoeven noted that the primary hurdle for commercial fusion is ensuring that plants can actually be serviced throughout their operational lifespans.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
North Korea first unveiled the Choe Hyon in April 2025, which Kim portrayed as a major step toward expanding his military’s operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Definition of operational

Adjective

Later in the day, your mind finds a clever solution, a useful contact or a whole new point of view.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
While Mickey Moniak and Freddy Peralta and Kris Bubic are useful pieces to move, these squads don’t really have the rosters to shake up the deadline by embracing a more aggressive sale.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

More information for patients — including detail on the health plans and providers affected by the negotiations — is available on Cigna’s and UC Davis Health’s websites.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
According to Hasbro, all of the items will be available at most major retailers by mid-July.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of available

Adjective

True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.

— Rachel Nostrant, Houston Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2026

Definition of operating

Adjective

Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
These assets largely avoid current tax liability because capital gains are only triggered upon sale, a principle applicable to all crypto investors.

— Shehan Chandrasekera, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of applicable

Adjective

The upcoming Splatoon Raiders ditches the series' trademark, competitive multiplayer shooting, to focus entirely on single-player and co-operative raids.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026
The automatic stay halts proceedings but doesn't compel creditors to undo pre-petition filings without operative effect.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of operative

Adjective

What Enterprises Should Do Now For a technology buyer, the practical move is to treat the agent gateway as a diligence checklist rather than a purchase.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
As a perpetually on-the-go woman, my chic mom is rotating through a range of practical styles this season.

— Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 6 July 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

The location had critical issues with non-functioning refrigeration units, which led to food being stored at unsafe temperatures, city officials said.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
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