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, these functional artworks — from clerical vestments and altar cloths to lamps, reliquaries and vessels for the performance of the Mass — made distant European rulers present in the liturgical life of Christianity’s most sacred site.
—
Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
These materials reflect the efficiency of natural systems while offering exceptional mechanical and functional properties for industrial use.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
KeySmart transforms ordinary items like keys, wallets and multi-tools into sleek, functional and portable solutions.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
The French philosopher argued that the author is not a true creator but a functional, historical construct designed to classify and limit the meaning of texts.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
These materials reflect the efficiency of natural systems while offering exceptional mechanical and functional properties for industrial use.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
KeySmart transforms ordinary items like keys, wallets and multi-tools into sleek, functional and portable solutions.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
The French philosopher argued that the author is not a true creator but a functional, historical construct designed to classify and limit the meaning of texts.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
The fleet will start replacing the Navy’s aging Ohio-class submarines by the 2030s and will remain operational till 2084.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The officers involved were transferred from operational duty to administrative activities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation by the military police internal affairs division, police said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At present, scramjet engine development is one of the hardest engineering problems to solve, so any boost to that will be very useful indeed.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Ever find OpenAI’s most useful tools are spread across multiple, stand-alone services?—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Streaming is also available on the March Madness Live app.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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
-
International travelers should also call the applicable campground to reserve a campsite.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
-
There had been periodic height limits applicable to La Jolla Shores, but in one gap between limits, Hotel La Jolla had been rapidly built.—
Richard Dahlberg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Then, trace your finger to its peak, which, to me, was his starring role as smoldering special forces operative Scott McCoy in the 1986 action movie The Delta Force, co-starring a frail-looking but grizzled and unsmiling Lee Marvin in his last movie.—
John DeVore,
Rolling Stone,
20 Mar. 2026
-
For international patients traveling to Turkey for rhinoplasty, clinics often structure treatment timelines around approximately a week in the country to allow for early post-operative checks and splint removal, although schedules can vary depending on the surgeon and the complexity of the case.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Velasquez said Chait placed a strong emphasis on communication, recalling that district leaders recently sent administrators guidance on reassuring families that schools would remain safe and functioning.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
At the same time, Maguire ventured into opposition territory to serve as an emergency centre-forward — rarely a sign of a functioning game plan.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Headway Premium offers a more practical way to keep learning, with lifetime access now available for $51 as part of a sitewide sale with promo code MARCH15.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The pattern-aware Moon activates your 10th House of Career, supporting practical steps that showcase your skills and leadership in all settings.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
