functions 1 of 2

plural of function
1
2
3

functions

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of function

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 functions
Noun
Plus, most tests sequence which bacteria are present but skip the chemical activity that explains how your gut actually functions, and a stool sample mainly reflects the colon rather than the small intestine where a lot happens. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026 Sakura Market is owned by Osaka Marketplace and functions as a small-format version of the larger store. George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 June 2026 The Education Department is handing off two of its most important functions, giving oversight of special education and civil rights, to other agencies. Alia Wong, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 In her role, Ferman will oversee operations including content distribution, technology and business functions, and will handle the integration of new acquisitions. Michael Schneider, Variety, 17 June 2026 The moves are part of the effort by the team of new BBC director general Matt Brittin, a former Google top executive, to slash costs across operations and functions. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026 The facility functions as a training platform to prepare personnel for the domestic clean energy sector and to test safety protocols. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026 Biohacking is the broad practice of using science, data and technology to optimize how the body functions. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026 Meanwhile, Washington no longer functions in its traditional role as a guarantor of global energy security. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
Verb
Soft yet supportive, the Vionic Kearny Slip-ons boast a two-inch platform that delivers a subtle lift—ideal for petite travelers like myself—which also functions to alleviate heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026 Keep the space tidy with a storage bench — which also functions as seating or a makeshift tabletop. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Below, Boston talks to Deadline about her unique writing process, the thematic heart of the series and why the show’s shocking finale ultimately functions as a breakup story. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 4 June 2026 Today’s press is largely well-informed and balanced, and has learned how the market now functions differently from the past. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 May 2026 Curate a beach-house feel with a platform daybed, which functions as comfortable seating during the day and a welcoming spot to rest at night. Christina Shepherd McGuire, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026 That frame also functions as an integrated heatsink for the drivetrain, as part of the cooling system. New Atlas, 21 May 2026 In that film, and in the source novel, the architect’s wife [played by Susanne Wolff] is more critical, while my character initially functions very well within the system. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 There’s a version of long-term partnership that functions beautifully and feels, underneath, a little flat. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functions
Noun
  • On March 1 of this year, the Qatari soccer federation postponed all matches during the ongoing war between Israel and Iran while other sporting events in the region were also affected.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • Alongside the large-scale events, the pope made time for low-key but moments.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Operators can deploy the system in less than two minutes, allowing units to establish surveillance positions quickly.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026
  • Devers developed into a star in Boston, but fell out with the front office over being asked to move positions.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Previous roles include those of adjunct curator of Latin American art at Tate, London (2012–15) and curator of Singapore’s LARA collection (2012–20).
    News Desk, Artforum, 17 June 2026
  • The stereotypes of casting Latinos as criminals on screen persisted, with one in four immigrant characters cast in roles involving drug dealing, smuggling, and human trafficking.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • The crust and top of the mantle make up another area called the lithosphere, which acts like a skin surrounding the Earth's surface.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • This is a world where strong weathering acts as a perfect thermostat.
    Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • These watch parties are open to the public and do not require a ticket.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • While members of both parties who cite privacy issues have long wanted to limit the authority, there was broad bipartisan support to renew it, especially after Republicans and Democrats recently worked out a compromise bill.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Courts are also deciding lawsuits over whether workers were illegally fired in retaliation for doing their jobs under previous administrations.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 14 June 2026
  • Washington — While millions of Americans are struggling to find jobs in a tough labor market, healthcare is emerging as a lifeline for career changers.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • The Supreme Court decided in 2014 that inherited IRAs do not qualify as retirement funds for purposes of federal bankruptcy protection, as beneficiaries cannot make new contributions and are often required to take distributions from the account.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • While municipalities may authorize certain vehicle assignments or equipment for operational purposes, local policies do not supersede state law.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Parker, who serves as the chief of staff at Cook Children’s Hospital, has filed a conflict of interest form disclosing her employment and regularly recuses herself from votes involving city business with the hospital network.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
  • The lead author disclosed a conflict of interest involving an ownership stake in a management company that serves an aesthetics clinic, though that clinic doesn’t offer NAD+ infusions.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Functions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functions. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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