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
Relevance
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
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
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
At this stage, your vending business is a functioning, revenue-generating enterprise, which significantly lowers adjudicatory risk.
—Raheel Sheikh, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026
Consistent short sleep, however, has been linked to measurable declines in cognitive performance and day-to-day functioning, while chronic sleep deprivation is associated with more serious long-term health risks.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 June 2026
The retrieval and governance layers must be reinforced for a safer functioning of the AI solutions with the right, relevant and responsible data.
—Ashwin Gaidhani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Most pills — like Prozac for depression or Lipitor for cholesterol — are tiny chemicals that squeeze into a pocket inside a much larger protein to gum up its functioning.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
For example, a larger trial found that a multidomain program involving cognitive training, exercise, nutrition guidance, and vascular risk monitoring helped improve or maintain cognitive functioning in older adults at risk for dementia.
—Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 29 May 2026
But persistent, intense anxiety that disrupts sleep, mood or daily functioning is worth raising with a clinician.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
The student also showed a lack of motor functioning, uncontrolled emotions and developed a form of insomnia that prevented a regular sleep schedule.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Studies have found that regularly eating fish is associated with improved sleep quality, falling asleep more easily, and better daytime functioning.
—Trista Chan, Health, 25 May 2026
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Authorities said hospital operations had resumed and that major highways, markets and commercial centers were functioning normally by Monday.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
Much like Sabitzer, Irvine does not put up incredible statistics, but is vital to the team functioning on the pitch.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 June 2026
Attract Butterflies While functioning as a pest repellent, some anecdotal evidence also suggests that these peels might attract butterflies to your garden at the same time.
—Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 7 June 2026
Learn how to remove unsightly hard water stains for sparkling surfaces and properly functioning appliances.
—Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Again and again, grieving parents described children who continued functioning outwardly — going to school, maintaining friendships, playing sports and making plans for the future — even while privately struggling.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
Investigation centered on suspicious activity at storefront Homeland Security Investigations agents began monitoring the Buy 4 Less location in December 2025 after observing activity that appeared inconsistent with a functioning retail business, according to a federal criminal complaint.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 June 2026
In some ways, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund is what happens when an already wealthy and well-functioning social democratic country becomes unbelievably rich.
—Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
Adjective
The location had critical issues with non-functioning refrigeration units, which led to food being stored at unsafe temperatures, city officials said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
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
At this stage, your vending business is a functioning, revenue-generating enterprise, which significantly lowers adjudicatory risk.
—Raheel Sheikh, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Also lying latent was a decline in the bipartisan functioning of Congress.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026
Consistent short sleep, however, has been linked to measurable declines in cognitive performance and day-to-day functioning, while chronic sleep deprivation is associated with more serious long-term health risks.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 June 2026
The retrieval and governance layers must be reinforced for a safer functioning of the AI solutions with the right, relevant and responsible data.
—Ashwin Gaidhani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Most pills — like Prozac for depression or Lipitor for cholesterol — are tiny chemicals that squeeze into a pocket inside a much larger protein to gum up its functioning.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
For example, a larger trial found that a multidomain program involving cognitive training, exercise, nutrition guidance, and vascular risk monitoring helped improve or maintain cognitive functioning in older adults at risk for dementia.
—Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 29 May 2026
But persistent, intense anxiety that disrupts sleep, mood or daily functioning is worth raising with a clinician.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
The student also showed a lack of motor functioning, uncontrolled emotions and developed a form of insomnia that prevented a regular sleep schedule.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Studies have found that regularly eating fish is associated with improved sleep quality, falling asleep more easily, and better daytime functioning.
—Trista Chan, Health, 25 May 2026
Verb
For now, the fish are functioning fine in their adopted creek.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Authorities said hospital operations had resumed and that major highways, markets and commercial centers were functioning normally by Monday.
—ABC News, 8 June 2026
Much like Sabitzer, Irvine does not put up incredible statistics, but is vital to the team functioning on the pitch.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 June 2026
Attract Butterflies While functioning as a pest repellent, some anecdotal evidence also suggests that these peels might attract butterflies to your garden at the same time.
—Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 7 June 2026
Learn how to remove unsightly hard water stains for sparkling surfaces and properly functioning appliances.
—Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Again and again, grieving parents described children who continued functioning outwardly — going to school, maintaining friendships, playing sports and making plans for the future — even while privately struggling.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
Investigation centered on suspicious activity at storefront Homeland Security Investigations agents began monitoring the Buy 4 Less location in December 2025 after observing activity that appeared inconsistent with a functioning retail business, according to a federal criminal complaint.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 June 2026
In some ways, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund is what happens when an already wealthy and well-functioning social democratic country becomes unbelievably rich.
—Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functioning
Adjective
-
True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
-
Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.—
Rachel Nostrant,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Volcanic activity has occurred in the area for millions of years, most recently around 2,100 years ago.—
Staff,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Tom’s insistence on finding semi-plausible, scientific explanations for the island’s paranormal activity — especially the infamous Sea Hag in episode three — ultimately comes from a well-meaning, albeit misguided, place.—
Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Hezbollah had not immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel would continue acting against threats originating from Lebanon.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 June 2026
-
In the nearly seven years since her Sweetener World Tour, Grande detoured from her hugely successful pop career to amplify her acting aspirations.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
The strategic capital allocation serves distinct operational needs.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
-
While Units 3 and 4 at the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant remain operational, work to replace them has already begun, with concrete pouring for Units 7 and 8 scheduled to start in March 2024 and March 2025, respectively.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Total football remade soccer worldwide by emphasizing movement and pressure on the ball and the interchangeability of positions, laying the groundwork for the modern incarnation of the sport.—
Leander Schaerlaeckens
June 8,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
Gabriel leans into the music, and the bell of his sax catches the light, flashing gold with each movement.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Open since 1961 and still family-owned, the Honolulu institution remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike, serving classic combinations of rice, macaroni salad and protein-rich entrees.—
Staff,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
-
Bradley's killer, Eugene McCollom, pleaded guilty years ago and is serving a life sentence.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
But with less on his schedule this offseason, Brady seems determined to have an operative role in turning the Raiders around.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
Post-operative care is provided with a special kit containing shampoos, lotions, and medical products, and the clinic maintains high hygiene standards by sanitizing procedure rooms through ultraviolet technology.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Sparks end a three-game losing streak with an 89-72 win over expansion Portland, delivering their stingiest defensive performance of the season.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
But the strength of his acidic, strong, difficult performance was too powerful for the Tonys to deny.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functioning. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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