as in served
to have a certain purpose
the heart functions as a pump for the blood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 functioned
With a history that stretches across numerous trend cycles, the T-strap shoe has historically functioned as a silhouette worn for practicality over design.
—
Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
The unit functioned well individually and collectively, especially on the counter.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
The team trained at a local rec center, outside of which two trailers functioned as the team’s facilities.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
King’s understanding of how Carrie’s narration functioned in both series is flawed.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
During these negotiations, Stephans-Murphy alleges, ESPN requested confidential technical information about how the WatchSports app actually functioned.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Late night functioned as the industry’s most reliable launchpad and hype machine.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
For a surprisingly long time, Carter’s Iran policy functioned on autopilot, which meant selling weapons and declining to ask questions.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
The unit functioned well individually and collectively, especially on the counter.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
The team trained at a local rec center, outside of which two trailers functioned as the team’s facilities.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
King’s understanding of how Carrie’s narration functioned in both series is flawed.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
During these negotiations, Stephans-Murphy alleges, ESPN requested confidential technical information about how the WatchSports app actually functioned.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Late night functioned as the industry’s most reliable launchpad and hype machine.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
For a surprisingly long time, Carter’s Iran policy functioned on autopilot, which meant selling weapons and declining to ask questions.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functioned
Verb
-
Try the curry and other unlisted offerings Cranston’s favorite is Japanese curry, a mildly spiced and slightly sweet, rich brown curry sauce served with steamed rice.—
Lennie Omalza,
The Courier-Journal,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Republican strategist David Oman, who served as her finance chair in 2014, said her departure wasn’t a shock after months of speculation but still marks a major moment for Iowa politics.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In 2006, Congress acted to strengthen and expand FEMA.—
Arthur L. Kellermann,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Following The Amazing Spider-Man, Ifans has acted in multiple TV and film projects, including Snowden, Nyad and House of the Dragon.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Founded by Keith and Brooke Desserich who lost their 5-year-old daughter Elena to brain cancer, The Cure Starts Now first worked with Graeter's in 2007 to develop an ice cream flavor in honor of the couple's daughter, called Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
-
For approximately 25 years, Lee worked on international legal cases to combat injustice and promote human rights, achieving notable success in the high-level world of international courts.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functioned. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share