as in operating
being in effective operation
looked for a functioning washing machine, but the few that weren't broken were in use
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in activity
Related Words
as in acting
to have a certain purpose
the heart functions as a pump for the blood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of functioning
Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026
Investigators say the error was compounded by non-functioning signal systems along with failures in staffing, oversight and maintenance during years of delays in safety upgrades.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
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
New Yorkers deserve and require a fully functioning and cohesive government.
—Kirsten John Foy, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Police say the driver stopped at the non-functioning signal but did not see the teen in the crosswalk before proceeding.
—Tori Mason, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
The winning team later enjoyed a luxury yacht complete with a private chef, while the losing team slept on the smallest vessel—without a functioning toilet.
—Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
The cozy accommodations are stocked with a selection of Southern books and some retain original features like non-functioning fireplaces.
—Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
All of these elements help to preserve the youthful functioning of the skin, which helps tattoos look sharper and more colorful for longer.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 6 May 2026
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
Drug use to aid daily functioning is not a new phenomenon.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Her testimony focused in part on social communication, emotional processing, and executive functioning — evidence the defense is presenting as jurors weigh whether Horner should be sentenced to death or life without parole.
—Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Together, broadcasting and telecommunications account for more than $60 billion in the Canadian economy and provide essential infrastructure for the exchange of cultural and informational resources necessary for the functioning of a Canadian democratic society.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
Even small decreases in cognitive functioning may be associated with a higher risk of death.
—Doug Brugge, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
Red blood cells carry oxygen to our tissues, which is critical for proper functioning.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2026
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
O’Neil’s job is to keep LIV functioning and growing in the wake of the PIF announcement, which means his point of view is obviously slanted in that direction.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Among them was a woman selling homemade food out of the back of her car, and a man who was riding home on his bicycle from the store without a functioning headlight.
—Shoshana Walter, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
The finished home delivers on all fronts and is structured so that Martha and Jack have their own half of the place to enjoy, with the other half functioning as a guest suite for hosting their friends, family, and grandchildren.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
Cleaning removable parts regularly prevents buildup and keeps them functioning well.
—Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
On April 29, a reporter asked him outside his office how the Senate can keep functioning amid the latest logistical turmoil in the House.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Most prominently was Hugh Hayden’s permanent new sculpture, a functioning chapel that ingeniously bends at an acute angle.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
With the announcement of Mythos, Anthropic has been effectively functioning as a geopolitical actor, briefing ally governments on the model’s capabilities.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Collins says cleaning a functioning or newer dryer once every two years is sufficient to clear our major blocks and prevent more serious complications, such as clogs that can lead to fires.
—Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026
Investigators say the error was compounded by non-functioning signal systems along with failures in staffing, oversight and maintenance during years of delays in safety upgrades.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
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
New Yorkers deserve and require a fully functioning and cohesive government.
—Kirsten John Foy, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Police say the driver stopped at the non-functioning signal but did not see the teen in the crosswalk before proceeding.
—Tori Mason, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
The winning team later enjoyed a luxury yacht complete with a private chef, while the losing team slept on the smallest vessel—without a functioning toilet.
—Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
The cozy accommodations are stocked with a selection of Southern books and some retain original features like non-functioning fireplaces.
—Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
Keeping a household functioning is actually a high-stakes tactical mission requiring constant maintenance and an iron will.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
All of these elements help to preserve the youthful functioning of the skin, which helps tattoos look sharper and more colorful for longer.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 6 May 2026
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
Drug use to aid daily functioning is not a new phenomenon.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Her testimony focused in part on social communication, emotional processing, and executive functioning — evidence the defense is presenting as jurors weigh whether Horner should be sentenced to death or life without parole.
—Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Together, broadcasting and telecommunications account for more than $60 billion in the Canadian economy and provide essential infrastructure for the exchange of cultural and informational resources necessary for the functioning of a Canadian democratic society.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
Even small decreases in cognitive functioning may be associated with a higher risk of death.
—Doug Brugge, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026
Red blood cells carry oxygen to our tissues, which is critical for proper functioning.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
Half of the land is dedicated to vineyards, allowing guests to experience what feels less like a hotel stay than temporary residence inside a functioning Provençal winery.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
O’Neil’s job is to keep LIV functioning and growing in the wake of the PIF announcement, which means his point of view is obviously slanted in that direction.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Among them was a woman selling homemade food out of the back of her car, and a man who was riding home on his bicycle from the store without a functioning headlight.
—Shoshana Walter, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
The finished home delivers on all fronts and is structured so that Martha and Jack have their own half of the place to enjoy, with the other half functioning as a guest suite for hosting their friends, family, and grandchildren.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
Cleaning removable parts regularly prevents buildup and keeps them functioning well.
—Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
On April 29, a reporter asked him outside his office how the Senate can keep functioning amid the latest logistical turmoil in the House.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 9 May 2026
Most prominently was Hugh Hayden’s permanent new sculpture, a functioning chapel that ingeniously bends at an acute angle.
—Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
With the announcement of Mythos, Anthropic has been effectively functioning as a geopolitical actor, briefing ally governments on the model’s capabilities.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functioning
Adjective
-
Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.—
Rachel Nostrant,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Jan. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Trinidad and Tobago conducts significant oil and gas exploration activity both on land and in shallow waters, and is one of the Caribbean’s largest producers, according to official information from Trinidad’s Ministry of Energy.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
Don’t miss other free activities like mocktail classes and horticultural tours of the extensive gardens.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
The win is Graham’s first BAFTA Television Award in eight nominations, all in the acting categories, a fact Graham noted when collecting his award.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 May 2026
-
Such is the longevity and quality of Graham’s output, the fact that Adolescence has delivered his first BAFTA acting prize will come as a surprise to some.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
It was shut down in 2021 due to operational issues.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Achieving near-100% online property tax payments, in partnership with our residents, is the single greatest operational efficiency gain yielding millions in more revenue annually.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The Broncos moved up in the fifth round of the 2026 draft to pick the 6-foot-3 Joly as a classic F-type tight end, a receiver who can thrive with pre-snap movement and winning in open space.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 May 2026
-
Cotton modal is soft and lightweight, and pairs perfectly with the airy movement of the tiered maxi skirt.—
Paris Wilson,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Today, Rikers incarcerates approximately sixty-seven hundred people—most of whom are in pretrial detention, others who are serving terms of less than a year—in facilities that are within New York City while also being out of sight and largely out of reach.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Commissioners play a critical role because of their power to set rates and are limited to serving two four-year terms.—
Teagan Davidge,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
But the company is also opening a new fulfilment center in Giessen, in western Germany, which should be fully operative by the end of 2027.—
Cathrin Schaer,
Footwear News,
6 May 2026
-
From 2021 to 2023, about two-thirds of adults over 65 had hypertension, according to the operative definition at the time.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Kehmeier and Friends of the Skyway co-founder Bill Hanley hope to assemble a busking team to host skyway-level performances, provided City Hall works with them on permitting.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2026
-
Pazanti was generally pleased with several aspects of his team’s performance.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functioning. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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