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
These are two different products that each demonstrate Botanic Tonics' innovation in the functional botanical space, maintaining our commitment to botanical wisdom, scientific rigor, and consumer education.
—
Tara Molina, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Types of work-from-home gifts From furniture to decor, there are a lot of gifts that will make your dad’s home workspace functional and appealing.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
They were worn under voluminous skirts and long dresses as a functional and intimate garment.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 31 May 2026
Katie Holmes and Eva Longoria have both worn them, which must be a sign that this functional-meets-sexy, minimalist ‘90s silhouette is here to stay for the long haul.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Tara Molina, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Types of work-from-home gifts From furniture to decor, there are a lot of gifts that will make your dad’s home workspace functional and appealing.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
They were worn under voluminous skirts and long dresses as a functional and intimate garment.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 31 May 2026
Katie Holmes and Eva Longoria have both worn them, which must be a sign that this functional-meets-sexy, minimalist ‘90s silhouette is here to stay for the long haul.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
But building much larger vessels — the Defiant class is intended to displace roughly 30,000 to 40,000 tons — would only inflate costs and create fatter targets, without offering dramatically new operational capacity.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
-
The entire Starship program, however, is far behind schedule, with 12 launches of the rocket in the past three years—some successful, some not, none qualifying the giant machine as anywhere close to operational.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
That first experience of European competition was a useful learning curve, but the team will have to adapt after reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League in 2023-24 by topping a group of four teams that also contained Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
Delta Business Traveler’s free program gives freelancers and small business owners access to discounts, travel perks and business offers that are actually useful.—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Going tomorrow, everyone’s available.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
Catcher Logan O’Hoppe didn’t challenge, even though the Angels had both of their challenges available.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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
Adjective
-
Accessibility The main resort is mainly step-free access, and all villas can be modified for wheelchair accessibility with ramps put in place of steps where applicable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
This meant that they were neither governed nor protected by any applicable law.—
Bozorgmehr Sharafedin,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Post-operative care is provided with a special kit containing shampoos, lotions, and medical products, and the clinic maintains high hygiene standards by sanitizing procedure rooms through ultraviolet technology.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
-
And with knee surgeries, rehab is most important in the early stages of post-operative recovery.—
Jeff Fedotin,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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
Adjective
-
Kids can enjoy welcome milk and cookies, along with a variety of in-room amenities, such as toys and board games, kid-sized robes and slippers, and practical items like cribs, high chairs, bottle warmers, and diapers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Josh, who wants to be an investigative journalist, is an idealist in a PBS T-shirt (and with a PBS tote bag) who gets by on family money and is incapable of taking care of himself in any practical way.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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