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
No travel outfit is ever truly complete without a chic suitcase or a functional travel bag.
—
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
There is a feeling that City have a higher attacking ceiling than Arsenal’s more functional forward line, but defensive strength is equally important in the goal-difference stakes, and Arsenal’s imposing back four has been comfortably stronger all season.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
This armchair has a simple, modern design and adds comfy and functional seating to a living room, bedroom, or office space.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Interior designer Erin Williamson also prefers this more functional drape style.
—Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
There is a feeling that City have a higher attacking ceiling than Arsenal’s more functional forward line, but defensive strength is equally important in the goal-difference stakes, and Arsenal’s imposing back four has been comfortably stronger all season.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
This armchair has a simple, modern design and adds comfy and functional seating to a living room, bedroom, or office space.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Interior designer Erin Williamson also prefers this more functional drape style.
—Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Valerii’s first task each evening was to read the operational log.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The building was closed in the immediate aftermath, but the rest of the plant remained operational, and the tornado did not derail the production launch, the company said.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There is some evidence that psilocybin may be useful to treat depression in some people, but there have been just a few clinical trials.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
24 Apr. 2026
-
There’s a useful map of the world’s critical chokepoints here.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That figures to be addressed not only in the sixth round, but also with remaining available free agents and undrafted free agency.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Every other player on both teams was available.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.—
Rachel Nostrant,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Jan. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
All short-term rentals would be required to meet applicable building, fire, and health codes, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safe structural components.—
Ashley Portillo,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But again, this is a rule that’s applicable to Shohei.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
From 2021 to 2023, about two-thirds of adults over 65 had hypertension, according to the operative definition at the time.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Endless is the operative word at Lavo Italian Restaurant’s weekend brunch, where the traditional sit-down meal gives way to a high‑energy, indulgent experience that feels unmistakably Vegas.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
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Investigators say the error was compounded by non-functioning signal systems along with failures in staffing, oversight and maintenance during years of delays in safety upgrades.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon steadies Jupiter’s influence, helping practical decisions create emotional ease.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In these systems, the active materials tend to degrade and leak through the membrane, a process that rapidly wears out the battery and limits its practical lifespan.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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