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
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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
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Recent Examples of functional
The other has never been functional and ebbs and flows in and out of stability.
—
R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
These include preserving macroeconomic and financial stability, dollar hegemony, and a functional and rules-based international trading system, as well as breaking U.S. and allied dependence on the Chinese market.
—Eyck Freymann, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2025
The village wants the plant to be functional by 2030 when its intergovernmental agreement with the city of Lockport for wastewater treatment services expires.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
During a recent stroll in New York City, the actress wore two pieces that were equally stylish and functional.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for functional 
R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
These include preserving macroeconomic and financial stability, dollar hegemony, and a functional and rules-based international trading system, as well as breaking U.S. and allied dependence on the Chinese market.
—Eyck Freymann, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2025
The village wants the plant to be functional by 2030 when its intergovernmental agreement with the city of Lockport for wastewater treatment services expires.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
During a recent stroll in New York City, the actress wore two pieces that were equally stylish and functional.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
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The problem prompted an engineering investigation in parallel with the Space Force's certification process, which required two successful flights before clearing Vulcan for operational service.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
11 Feb. 2025
-
The Starlink satellite constellation — the largest ever launched — currently has more than 6,900 operational spacecraft, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.—
Robert Z. Pearlman,
Space.com,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Those may contain information about a person’s vulnerabilities that would be useful to the hostile foreign governments that hope to recruit NNSA employees to their cause.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2025
-
One such location exists in the early game of KCD 2, which hides a useful bow, completely for free.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond its signature hair clips (think the Big Effing Clip and Sweetheart Clips), Emi Jay’s prestige brushes and haircare products will be available exclusively at Sephora.—
Karin Eldor,
Forbes,
11 Feb. 2025
-
The report was issued Monday at 5:20 p.m., and the latest update regarding this incident was made available on Monday at 5:36 p.m.—
Kansas City Star Bot,
Kansas City Star,
11 Feb. 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
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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
-
According to the team, the fluid dynamics involved in periodic cooking may be applicable in other materials research projects.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Panama says the toll rates, which are calculated using a universally applicable formula, are being applied fairly to all ships, regardless of nationality.—
Nate Iglehart,
The Christian Science Monitor,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The Star called a phone number for Oliver listed in court documents, but the line was no longer operative.—
Jonathan Shorman,
Kansas City Star,
16 Jan. 2025
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The court announced only the introductory and operative parts of the verdict, Meduza reported.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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These exercises can involve bodyweight movements, resistance bands, free weights, or stability equipment to challenge your muscles in a dynamic and practical way.—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
7 Feb. 2025
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Social organizations helping trans people tend to focus more on these very practical issues, like helping people find work.—
The Dial,
The Dial,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Corporate improv is an offshoot of applied improvisation, a field that explores the benefits of improv outside the theater.—
Sam Sanders,
New York Times,
25 Jan. 2025
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In September 2023, Danaher spun off its environmental and applied solutions segment into a water and packaging quality company named Veralto .—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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