as in served
to have a certain purpose
the heart functions as a pump for the blood
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of functioned
In previous stops in New York and Jacksonville, Engram functioned more as an every-down tight end.
—
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2025
View gallery - 6 images Very few outside of Japan might be familiar with the Toyota Century, a full-size saloon that has functioned as the automaker's signature vehicle in its home country, with the emperor, prime minister, and other influential people all using one.
—New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025
After the jewels were taken, it was discovered that though alarms had functioned properly and staff had followed protocol, a security camera had been facing away from the gems.
—News Desk, Artforum, 27 Oct. 2025
The midfield area certainly functioned better against Frankfurt, with Curtis Jones more than justifying his inclusion.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
The crossing has in previous ceasefires functioned as a key conduit for humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave.
—Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Unlike New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which functioned as a catch-all that allowed plaintiffs to sue virtually any individual or institution, the California statute was more tailored.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
Nearly 57 percent of people in the low-dose group had meaningful improvements in pain, stiffness, and how well their knees functioned, compared with about 30 percent in the placebo group.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The case draws parallels to other high-profile tech fraud cases, particularly that of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, though Javice’s defense team argued her product actually functioned, unlike Holmes’s blood-testing technology.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2025
View gallery - 6 images Very few outside of Japan might be familiar with the Toyota Century, a full-size saloon that has functioned as the automaker's signature vehicle in its home country, with the emperor, prime minister, and other influential people all using one.
—New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025
After the jewels were taken, it was discovered that though alarms had functioned properly and staff had followed protocol, a security camera had been facing away from the gems.
—News Desk, Artforum, 27 Oct. 2025
The midfield area certainly functioned better against Frankfurt, with Curtis Jones more than justifying his inclusion.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
The crossing has in previous ceasefires functioned as a key conduit for humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave.
—Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Unlike New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which functioned as a catch-all that allowed plaintiffs to sue virtually any individual or institution, the California statute was more tailored.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
Nearly 57 percent of people in the low-dose group had meaningful improvements in pain, stiffness, and how well their knees functioned, compared with about 30 percent in the placebo group.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The case draws parallels to other high-profile tech fraud cases, particularly that of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, though Javice’s defense team argued her product actually functioned, unlike Holmes’s blood-testing technology.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functioned
Verb
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Miami's Mario Cristobal served several roles at Alabama from assistant head coach to recruiting coordinator while being part of the 2015 championship that also included Lanning as a grad assistant.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Warren arrived at Boise State in 2022 and spent four seasons with the Broncos, having previously served as the head coach of the Big Sky’s Southern Utah for six seasons.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ohio's state House passed the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act in late 2025, but has not been acted on in the state Senate.—
Jolene Almendarez,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Authorities acted swiftly, issuing an urgent public alert and launching a search in the woods near her home.—
Outside,
Outside,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dumas has worked for Valero for four years but just moved to the Benicia location from Arizona a year ago, just a few months before the energy company announced a possible plan to cease or idle operations.—
Amanda Hari,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Steve Sarkisian worked for Saban twice at Alabama.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functioned. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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