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
For the functional-minded, nothing short of a full-on, duvet-style cocoon coat will do.
—
Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
While the mansion anchors the property visually, most functional spaces—including the spa, fitness facilities, demonstration kitchen, and teaching areas—were added later and spread across the grounds.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Jan. 2026
But anyone who’s worn a bulky coat knows that a hands-free bag is also a functional accessory worth shopping this season.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 24 Jan. 2026
The point is for clothes to be polished, neutral, functional and free from distraction.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
While the mansion anchors the property visually, most functional spaces—including the spa, fitness facilities, demonstration kitchen, and teaching areas—were added later and spread across the grounds.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Jan. 2026
But anyone who’s worn a bulky coat knows that a hands-free bag is also a functional accessory worth shopping this season.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 24 Jan. 2026
The point is for clothes to be polished, neutral, functional and free from distraction.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
The startup gains apparent capability but loses operational confidence.—
Abdo Riani,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
School administrators emphasized that the reopening represents months of coordination across agencies, contractors, educators, and local leaders to ensure the campus is safe, operational, and ready to welcome students home.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Hoekstra spent 15 years at Herman Miller absorbing lessons that would prove useful far beyond furniture sales.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
An outmoded concept, evil was baggage from a pre-modern age, the least useful way to interpret bad behavior.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Flight inventory is usually available, but prices spike close to departure.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
When more people want to live somewhere than there are homes available, prices go up.—
J.D. Hayworth,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Last year, though revenue and operating profit increased, non-operating red ink pushed the company into a full-year loss of NT$766 million, or $25 million.—
Russell Flannery,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
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
-
This is where our downturn resilience framework is applicable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Below is a running list of restaurants and bars we've been told are open, along with their adjusted hours, if applicable.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Budanov, who has survived numerous assassination attempts, began his career as a special forces operative and served in the east after Russia illegally annexed Crimea and its proxies took over Ukraine’s eastern fringes.—
Reuters 6 hr ago,
CNN Money,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Their pre-operative assessment involves a thorough analysis of the airway.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The cozy accommodations are stocked with a selection of Southern books and some retain original features like non-functioning fireplaces.—
Caroline Eubanks,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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Immigrants make up nearly one quarter of Illinois’ workforce and are essential to industries that keep communities healthy and functioning.—
Anabel Mendoza,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Yet, even for those long-ensconced in homes, the calming tones continue to be both popular and practical.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The panel concluded the order was both overly broad and impermissibly vague, raising constitutional and practical concerns.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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