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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of functional
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the way the gut and brain interact that results in functional changes in the digestive tract, such as diarrhea or constipation, without structural or tissue abnormalities.
—
Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
Here are three of the most common misconceptions about compromise, and how shifting your mindset around them can create a more functional, fulfilling relationship.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
In the end, functional fashion won out, but nobody really noticed the space wear among the post-flight exuberance.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025
That midfield, while working well, remains very functional.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
Here are three of the most common misconceptions about compromise, and how shifting your mindset around them can create a more functional, fulfilling relationship.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
In the end, functional fashion won out, but nobody really noticed the space wear among the post-flight exuberance.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025
That midfield, while working well, remains very functional.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Impact: Reduction in operational bottlenecks, improved efficiency and better citizen service without increasing headcount.—
Buyan Thyagarajan,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Combs founded the company in 2012 but held no operational role for many years.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
What may have been useful in saurischians, for example, may have been essentially useless — a Mesozoic appendix — in sauropods and theropods.—
Joshua Rapp Learn,
Discover Magazine,
19 Apr. 2025
-
After three or four sessions, your character has much more move variety, and items and weapons are more useful and varied.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Which player-team pairings seem best? Winners and losers from Round 1 Best available players for Friday Several prominent prospects are still waiting to hear their name get called during the 2025 NFL Draft.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 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
-
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
-
Many stores also have regional stock based on in-store supply, so be sure to check your local zip code where applicable.—
Lisa Wood Shapiro,
Wired News,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Similarly, in a March release, the company said all potential buyers must agree to comply with its privacy policy and applicable law.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond the part itself, the bureau recommends that people ensure their car alarms are operative and to park in safe locations.—
Krystal Nurse,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Wearing sunglasses and a heavy leather trenchcoat, Fishburne showed off his action movie chops as the enigmatic operative Morpheus in the original film and the first two sequels.—
Greg Braxton,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
One standout piece in the campaign is the Capucines bag, reimagined in a breezy wicker material, a chic and practical choice for high-summer heat, capturing effortless elegance with a seasonal twist.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This functionality reflects a broader brand focus: making fitness practical and easy to fit into daily life.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While a regional court in Cologne initially recognized four of Birkenstock’s shoe models as works of applied art and granted the company’s orders in 2017, a higher regional court in the city later overturned the orders on appeal in 2022.—
Karen K. Ho,
ARTnews.com,
21 Feb. 2025
-
In 1994, the applied mathematician Peter Shor was inspired by a recent oracle result to develop a fast quantum algorithm for factoring large numbers—a task whose apparent difficulty underlies the cryptographic systems that keep our online data secure.—
Ben Brubaker,
WIRED,
2 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share