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
These Acacia Pantry Organizers—which come in various sizes, and some in a two-pack—are quite functional.
—
Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
My goal was to build the smallest, most functional tiny house possible.
—Levi Kelly, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025
Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket This classic Levi’s denim jacket at Amazon reminds us of the one Cox wore, thanks to the fall-ready dark wash, pointed collar, and chest patch pockets that are also functional.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Samsung, meanwhile, has had functional Galaxy AI features since the Galaxy S24.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
My goal was to build the smallest, most functional tiny house possible.
—Levi Kelly, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025
Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket This classic Levi’s denim jacket at Amazon reminds us of the one Cox wore, thanks to the fall-ready dark wash, pointed collar, and chest patch pockets that are also functional.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Samsung, meanwhile, has had functional Galaxy AI features since the Galaxy S24.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
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To minimize operational risk, support data privacy standards and conform with residency regulations, agent access should also be restricted only to those data sets and systems needed to execute its specific task, which can prevent unauthorized or irreversible changes without oversight.—
Ben Blanquera,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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While the system has previously suffered delays to getting back on track, MIA’s Chin now says the fourth station will open and Skytrain will be fully operational by mid-September 2025.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Pixel Screenshots might still be the most useful application of generative AI on the Pixels.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 Aug. 2025
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Trust isn’t built by shouting louder—it’s built by showing up with useful, relevant content that respects people’s time and intelligence.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Publicly available information from company websites supplemented the research.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
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Public cooling shelters are available in some areas in Arizona, and residents are encouraged to contact local resources such as 2-1-1 for guidance.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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 disconnect between operating performance and net income suggests potential one-time gains or non-operating income that may not be sustainable.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Perhaps in this case, however, the old adage that all publicity is good publicity is very applicable here, because all of the intrigue surrounding Belichick — whose personal life was historically shrouded in mystery — has made North Carolina that much more of a premier team.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
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Open to individual legal residents of the United States (including the District of Columbia, but excluding the U.S. territories and possessions), age 18 (or the legal age of majority, as applicable) as of entry date.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The operative word there is ‘open’ — that there’s a reliable, open line of communication.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
8 Aug. 2025
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Her exit is the full employment political operative Act because of the number of candidates for CA GOV that will be running for this office.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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And suddenly, the debate about BCIs shifted from theoretical promise to practical and very human consequences.—
Jason Snyder,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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The woman offered to reimburse her mother for the wine, making the request practical and thoughtful.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The project will bring together the historically Black, public university's engineering programs and its applied and industrial technology program into an interdisciplinary complex, according to an Aug. 18 news release.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
19 Aug. 2025
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With developers and non-developers alike embracing AI agents to automate, iterate, and build entire applications, this space is becoming one of the hottest frontiers in applied artificial intelligence.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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