1
as in operational
being in effective operation
I don't think that vending machine is functional, so don't put money into it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in useful
capable of being put to use or account
a functional knowledge of auto mechanics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in available
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose
a very functional kitchen utensil for peeling potatoes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 functional
Means went on to study functional medicine, which looks to prevent disease and illness.
—
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 May 2025
This stylish yet functional leather crossbody bag will be your go-to accessory for everyday use and summer travels alike.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 9 May 2025
Researchers must affirm their safety in larger studies and better understand whether these cells remain functional for the long term and can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
—Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025
Sofia Grainge's rain jacket is functional and cute.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 May 2025
This stylish yet functional leather crossbody bag will be your go-to accessory for everyday use and summer travels alike.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 9 May 2025
Researchers must affirm their safety in larger studies and better understand whether these cells remain functional for the long term and can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
—Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025
Sofia Grainge's rain jacket is functional and cute.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
There are at least seventeen currently operational rotating restaurants in the United States, the closest being the Skydome Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, but the disappointing memory of Stouffer’s was Meyer’s only benchmark.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
18 May 2025
-
In addition, women often have to deal with what Biggins describes as operational overload.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
The original system has evolved significantly since its introduction, with specialized needles now available including the Fast Pour, which is especially useful at restaurants, and Vintage needles designed for older corks.—
Claudia Alarcón,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
-
By David Kessler Ever since the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk realized that GLP-1 drugs were useful for more than diabetes, doctors and researchers have struggled to answer a deceptively simple question: Who should be taking them?—
David Kessler,
The Atlantic,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
Trapped: What Is Happening to Wendy Williams? is available to stream on Max.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
20 May 2025
-
The Toy Association, which has more than 900 members, is urging the U.S. government to grant a reprieve from tariffs on toys imported from China to make sure toys available for the holiday season.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Under Proposition 309, voters casting mail-in ballots could provide a driver's license or non-operating identification license number, the last four digits of a social security number, or a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes.—
Arlyssa D. Becenti,
The Arizona Republic,
27 Oct. 2022
-
The adjusted net income decreased by 8% y-o-y to $3.9 billion in the first nine months of 2022 due to higher expenses as a % of revenues and lower non-operating income.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
11 Jan. 2023
Adjective
-
Broadcasters who distribute over-air content are accustomed to a one-size-fits-all approach for television, and this uniformity is not applicable with second screens.—
Vinayak S,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
By identifying areas of need for productions, the goal is to then re-train people with applicable experience to transition their skillset into the entertainment industry.—
Zoe Hewitt,
Variety,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
The aunties then try — try being the operative word — to recreate their moves on the dancefloor at the conference, failing spectacularly.—
Marianne Eloise,
Vulture,
10 May 2025
-
Indeed, secrets is the operative word, applied not only to these gifted designers but to the Petit Palais, whose collection of some 5,600 jewelry sketches and gouache renderings is barely known, even to specialists.—
Ruth Peltason,
Air Mail,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
States warn there could be 'unprecedented chaos' Jeremy Feigenbaum, a lawyer representing the states challenging Trump's policy, stressed the practical problems of not having a national standard for citizenship while the executive order is being litigated.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
For a super-yacht, the vibe was surprisingly casual aboard—think practical expedition wear during the day and casual evening attire like wrap skirts and linen shirts at night.—
Jennifer Flowers,
AFAR Media,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Jiang, an assistant professor at SIPS, is an applied roboticist with a special focus on image processing and artificial intelligence (AI).—
Hope Hodge Seck,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Goals workshop: The American Association of University Women Poway/PQ branch will host Vicki Halsey, vice president of applied learning with the Ken Blanchard Companies.—
Pomerado News,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share