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
Eighteen were functional, and the researchers built the chip using those.
—
John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
Each item designed at the brand’s NYC headquarters features elegant tailoring, draping that doesn’t try too hard, and appears to be fully functional.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
All of the appliances and utilities have been modernized for a fully functional living space, and the sunken outdoor dining space is extra romantic for a post-nuptials breakfast for the love birds.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 21 Mar. 2025
Behind the scenes, leaders should assess whether backup systems are functional and whether essential personnel are trained to respond calmly.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
Each item designed at the brand’s NYC headquarters features elegant tailoring, draping that doesn’t try too hard, and appears to be fully functional.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
All of the appliances and utilities have been modernized for a fully functional living space, and the sunken outdoor dining space is extra romantic for a post-nuptials breakfast for the love birds.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 21 Mar. 2025
Behind the scenes, leaders should assess whether backup systems are functional and whether essential personnel are trained to respond calmly.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
-
Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
While tech companies chase headlines with increasingly sophisticated platforms, millions of small business owners struggle with basic operational challenges.—
Hunter Steele,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
My colleague, Jim Handy, who co-authors a report on emerging non-volatile memory with me, created a useful representation of a hierarchy of digital storage and memory technology, shown below.—
Thomas Coughlin,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Inter’s fluidity in possession might be particularly useful when looking to bypass Bayern Munich’s relentless press.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The top is available in a yellow and black floral print, as well as a solid green.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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Geico Auto Insurance Policy highlights Geico auto coverage is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
-
First, the courts – and in particular the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts – have been expanding corporate constitutional rights, which could allow dual-class founders to carve out exceptions to generally applicable laws.—
Gregory H. Shill,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2025
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And to be sure, some may be more applicable to large companies in general, and to the financial services sector in particular, than to the broader commercial sector.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
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The judge wrote that the operative complaint and Blackburn’s opposition brief are full of similar irrelevant insults, misstatements, and exaggerations.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This April, the discount grocery chain is stocking its shelves with adorable decor, practical porch and patio furniture, and charming Easter tableware—plus snacks, appetizers, mains, and desserts with seasonal flair.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
28 Mar. 2025
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In addition to the technological advances required to put a human on Mars, however, is the very practical necessity of developing sustainable food sources in space.—
Margherita Bassi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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 15 Apr. 2025.
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