as in served
to have a certain purpose
the heart functions as a pump for the blood
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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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According to the explanation on the museum’s website, the use of poppies has its origins in a poem that was penned by a Canadian physician who had served as a field surgeon in Belgium during the Great War.—
Emily Curiel,
Kansas City Star,
12 Nov. 2025
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Tatum initially visited the cemetery in an attempt to locate the grave of Florence Marie Rawls, an Army veteran who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Batallion during World War 2.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While the Zambian government acted swiftly to neutralize acidity and launch investigations, critics say its response has been too lenient and slow to hold the firm fully accountable.—
Elisha Iragi,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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Debbie Allen, who produced, directed, and acted in the OG series, will direct three episodes of the continuation, including the premiere.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While leading the community services district, Loewen also worked as a business development consultant and senior manager for DTA, according to a confidential investigative report issued in 2023 after residents complained about Loewen’s conduct.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
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Goldman worked with the NFL on the sale process for the league’s media assets, which were sold to ESPN, and helps owners facilitate franchise transactions, such as the Baltimore Orioles’ sale in 2024.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functioned. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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