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
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Recent Examples of functional
Currently, no functional ACIP exists to guide this autumn’s immunization campaigns.
—
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
The simple design features functional details, including adjustable skinny straps for a customizable fit and a supportive shelf bra with removable padding.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
For being both functional and stylish, the Taichi 360 Holo earns a spot here.
—John Burek, PC Magazine, 7 June 2026
Most humanoid robots are still performative rather than functional, falling short of working in messy, unpredictable environments, said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese technology.
—Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
The simple design features functional details, including adjustable skinny straps for a customizable fit and a supportive shelf bra with removable padding.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
For being both functional and stylish, the Taichi 360 Holo earns a spot here.
—John Burek, PC Magazine, 7 June 2026
Most humanoid robots are still performative rather than functional, falling short of working in messy, unpredictable environments, said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese technology.
—Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
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
Adjective
-
Creator cards with follower counts, post volume and engagement are useful signals.—
Gabriel Alin Zainescu,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Our expert take The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is an excellent business card with useful benefits, valuable rewards and a generous welcome bonus.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
-
The series will be available across mobile devices, connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, JioTV and Airtel Xstream.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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
Adjective
-
All individuals hired under both the previous administration and my administration have met all applicable standards and state requirements.—
Jack Springgate,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
-
Sponsor is not responsible if winner is unable to use the hotel stay or any other Prize element due to unavailability, blackout dates, expiration, failure to satisfy applicable redemption requirements, or other restrictions imposed by the applicable provider.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
The above scenarios are all post-operative timelines, but not all hamstring injuries are treated surgically.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
10 June 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
Adjective
-
According to China Daily, several Chinese automakers and battery manufacturers are accelerating commercialization efforts, viewing the technology as a practical path toward improved battery performance without the manufacturing challenges associated with fully solid-state designs.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
-
The tiny house features a practical interior with two bedrooms – plus a sofa bed for guests – and has multiple options available, including off-grid functionality.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 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
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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