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
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
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Third, operational command of Kamikaze planes is difficult because results cannot be evaluated with any accuracy.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Research by Harvard Business Publishing has identified key leadership capabilities required during challenging times, highlighting that successful approaches balance operational necessities with genuine human connection.—
Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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 report also found that there were no significant outbreaks of COVID-19-like symptoms at Defense Department facilities after the athletes returned, although service members were not tested for COVID-19 or antibodies as testing was not available at that early stage of the pandemic.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Samsung promises Ballie will be available in Korea and the U.S. this summer.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
10 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
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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
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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
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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
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Having a team that combines data science with operational expertise can help ensure that AI solutions are practical and aligned with business goals.—
Akash Khurana,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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Our conversation revolved around the following 10 practical lessons for building transformational leadership teams.—
Brendan Keegan,
Rolling Stone,
24 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 21 Apr. 2025.
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