functions 1 of 2

Definition of functionsnext
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
For something more casual, Jinbao 99 functions as the all-day dining restaurant, with open kitchens and a broad mix of Asian and international dishes. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026 The espresso-only entry from Eureka functions much like the Filtro, with manual operation and stepless grind adjustments. Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2026 Governed by intergovernmental agreements, the ISS functions on in-kind contributions from NASA’s partner agencies (in Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia), in exchange for utilizing the station’s resources. Tejpaul Bhatia, Fortune, 20 May 2026 Its mandate runs out in June and there is no transition plan for its remaining functions, including overseeing the detention conditions of the 41 people still serving their sentences. ABC News, 20 May 2026 Top air fryer models Our favorite air fryers are large-capacity models with more cooking functions than just air-frying. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 20 May 2026 Evidence from the Stanford AI Index Report 2025 confirms that AI is delivering measurable financial impact across business functions. Arnold Sotelo, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 For comparison, Instants functions similarly to Snapchat — once another user opens and views an Instants photo, it cannot be viewed again. Greta Cross, USA Today, 13 May 2026 Brands that successfully merge these functions will turn their real estate from a traditional overhead cost into a high-yield engine for online and offline growth. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 13 May 2026
Verb
Yet masculinism also functions as a perpetual-motion machine of grievance, an inarticulate howl of anguish at the status quo—whatever that currently is. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 If working families feel more secure and the legislature actually functions as a democratic body, that’s success. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Like many of Isfahan’s bridges, Si-o-Se Pol also functions as a dam, helping to control water flow in the area. Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026 But every outbreak now also functions as an opportunity to monetize on viral misinformation. Katrine Wallace, STAT, 8 May 2026 And women, especially younger consumers, are rediscovering the appeal of a watch that functions less like a gadget and more like a piece of personal style. Staff Author, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 This big-hearted gesture is part of the ethos of The Wiener’s Circle, a Chicago institution that functions as both hot dog stand and local landmark. Jimmy Jellinek, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026 Free up that space for holiday décor that functions properly and is aligned with your current tastes. Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026 For savers with a larger balance, like $50,000, a money market account also functions as an effective emergency fund vehicle. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functions
Noun
  • Though the couple hasn't commented publicly on their relationship, and Foxx has been candid about keeping his relationships out of the spotlight in the past, Huckstepp has supported Foxx at a number of events.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Inspired by true events, LifeHack follows Kyle and his crew of digital Robin Hoods who hack scammers and steal from people the internet loves to hate, working from the comfort of their bedrooms.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Kalama says Imagineering was focused on how the various positions of pilot, gunner or engineer interact with one another.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
  • The affected unit, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, had been scheduled to deploy to Poland and other eastern flank positions as part of a routine nine-month NATO rotation.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • The skilled staff have to wear more than one hat at this camp, everyone has multiple roles to play and multiple skill sets.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
  • Konsta Helenius, Noah Östlund and Jiri Kulich are in the mix for top-nine roles next season, too.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • One of the writer’s jobs is, of course, to make a world of words, images, scenes, photographs—a unique artistic world that acts as the container for the story or the meaning.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Those are followed by a look inside Milpero’s fermentation room, where a sample drink acts as a midway digestif for the spicy, spectacular hot courses served later in the night.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • The surrogacy process has safeguards in place to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
    Ann Marie Luft, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • One candidate ran as a fervent booster, arguing that Atlantic Yards would bring jobs and housing to the area.
    Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • These titles often glorify overwork and set unrealistic expectations from day one, contributing to the kind of stress that causes people to resign and look for low-stress jobs in the first place.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Iran, which says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, was said to have included some nuclear concessions in its latest proposal to end the war.
    Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • For many people, getting life insurance or disability insurance would serve similar purposes while offering greater flexibility.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Daccapo serves upscale Italian fare, including handmade pastas, risotto, and seafood, in a warm, relatively intimate dining room.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
  • Her supercilious caricature of a boss, Suzie (Tara Summers), serves merely as a source of pressure.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Functions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functions. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on functions

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster