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
This guides both the fashion influences the company chooses to follow, as well as the creation of functional, emotionally durable garments.
—
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025
By placing people at the center of its narrative, Tumi combines humanized storytelling with a cohesive product ecosystem, transforming itself from a functional luggage maker into a cultural lifestyle symbol.
—Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
The Rose Garden Patio is functional now.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
This multi-functional bed helps save space and reduces clutter.
—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, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025
By placing people at the center of its narrative, Tumi combines humanized storytelling with a cohesive product ecosystem, transforming itself from a functional luggage maker into a cultural lifestyle symbol.
—Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
The Rose Garden Patio is functional now.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
This multi-functional bed helps save space and reduces clutter.
—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, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
After launch, the team transferred control of the Switchblade from a user in the MQ-9A’s ground control station to a user on the ground nearer the operational area.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Sep. 2025
-
There’s no getting around Bryce Young’s three turnovers; no getting around the offense’s operational issues.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
These are environmentally friendly and useful for carrying more snacks on your flight home.—
Jessie Beck,
AFAR Media,
16 Sep. 2025
-
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,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
As 9to5Mac reports, hypertension alerts will become available in over 150 countries and regions, including the US and the EU, next week.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
-
That figure is currently just above 50%, extrapolating from available data.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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
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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
-
These collaborations aren’t just applicable in the world of social media.—
John Hall,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Mad Men would be named Best Drama for a third straight year and Temple Grandin commenced what turned out to be a seemingly endless onslaught at every applicable awards show, as the TV-movie tied an Emmy record with five major wins.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Think of it as even more competition for our time in the present and future, future the operative descriptor in consideration of Anthropic’s $185 billion private valuation.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Some studies have even suggested the drug improves sleep quality in post-operative patients.—
RJ Mackenzie,
Popular Science,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
An effective and functioning grievance mechanism is a critical tool for businesses, Jeff Vockrodt, president of the Fair Labor Association, said in a webinar last week.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Sep. 2025
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He’s blessed with a wealth of attacking talent, a multi-functioning midfield and strong, experienced defensive players in centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, and goalkeeper Alisson.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Its early pilots include placing a humanoid in a car factory to fetch and carry parts, hinting at a practical path into routine industrial tasks.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Sep. 2025
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Below, Forbes Human Resources Council members share practical strategies middle managers can use to strengthen relationships and create a more positive workplace culture.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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