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
There are numerous options for adding functional storage shelves to your bathroom walls.
—
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2025
This linen pair has a billowy silhouette with an elastic waistband, tapered cuffs, and functional pockets.
—Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 July 2025
Nothing also made a few good functional changes to Android, including a fully configurable quick settings panel and a faster way to clear your recent apps.
—ArsTechnica, 18 July 2025
Defaulting to static reporting lines and functional silos can hinder collaboration and innovation, whereas teams built around the issue at hand draws from the full breadth of your organization’s talent.
—Aniela Unguresan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2025
This linen pair has a billowy silhouette with an elastic waistband, tapered cuffs, and functional pockets.
—Emily Weaver, People.com, 19 July 2025
Nothing also made a few good functional changes to Android, including a fully configurable quick settings panel and a faster way to clear your recent apps.
—ArsTechnica, 18 July 2025
Defaulting to static reporting lines and functional silos can hinder collaboration and innovation, whereas teams built around the issue at hand draws from the full breadth of your organization’s talent.
—Aniela Unguresan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Construction is set to begin fall 2025 and aims to operational by fall 2026.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
30 July 2025
-
Bakeries remain closed, and community kitchens, though operational, are vastly insufficient to meet overwhelming needs.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
This review pokes a useful hole in the breathless reception this film received, while managing to feel fond.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
24 July 2025
-
The company says Web Guide uses a custom version of Gemini to surface the most helpful webpages and organize the page in a more useful way.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
The company says the new Sprint, priced at around $6,000, will be available in the U.S. market in 2026.—
Rick Barrett,
jsonline.com,
31 July 2025
-
How to watch An earlier livestream of the Black Sabbath bench is available online.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
The Courier-Journal,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The disconnect between operating performance and net income suggests potential one-time gains or non-operating income that may not be sustainable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Detectives presented the case to the prosecuting attorney's office and concurred that no applicable charges were warranted in this case.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
25 July 2025
-
Installation, taxes and fees, and other applicable charges extra, and subj.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
And, yes, lead is the operative verb for them here.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
19 July 2025
-
Nothing can work while this terrible magnet is operative.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Cable remains a popular and practical internet solution for many households, especially where fiber isn't yet available.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
-
Gillis and Trachtenberg explained how for the first time in the Predator movies, the face of the creature wasn’t practical, always a very challenging task, because nuanced emotional expressions were called for in which the alien was the hero.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
That’s where the distinction between applied and contextual AI becomes critical.—
ByTheodore Krantz Jr,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.—
Paul Bierman,
The Conversation,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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