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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in useful
capable of being put to use or account
a functional knowledge of auto mechanics
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3
as in available
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose
a very functional kitchen utensil for peeling potatoes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of functional
This comfy and functional gift item comes in various fun colorways and makes a great stocking stuffer.
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Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024
Front pockets are very figure flattering and functional, too.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2024
In the new study, the team wanted to investigate whether screening movies during fMRI scanning could give any insight into how the brain’s functional networks respond to a series of complex audio and visual stimuli.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
America’s functional absence from climate negotiations marred proceedings for four years.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for functional 
Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024
Front pockets are very figure flattering and functional, too.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2024
In the new study, the team wanted to investigate whether screening movies during fMRI scanning could give any insight into how the brain’s functional networks respond to a series of complex audio and visual stimuli.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
America’s functional absence from climate negotiations marred proceedings for four years.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for functional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional
Adjective
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Here’s Everything To Know Like many family offices, International Venture Investments Holding takes an active investment approach, emphasizing the successful development and smooth transition of projects into their operational phases.Rami Harajli, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
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In accounting terms, the industry lumps theft into inventory shrink, a category that includes losses on goods that should be available for sale but are missing due to shoplifting, a vendor issue or some kind of operational mishap.Evan Clark, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Consuming high quality, unsweetened cocoa powder, or even 70% dark chocolate in small doses offers a sense of satiety that could be useful for those hoping to maintain or lose weight.Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
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India’s effort to build domestic support for global leadership by mounting a G-20 road show—encouraging popular participation by creating festival pavilions and scheduling lectures, meetings, and other events in dozens of Indian cities—provides a useful model.Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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D’Angelo Russell was available for the Lakers after missing Tuesday’s practice because of an illness.Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
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Details: 3 stars; all three episodes air starting at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 on National Geographic and is available for streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+.Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
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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Faith should be practically applicable and meaningful.Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
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This means grocery data provides insights that are applicable to a wide variety of consumers, from high-income earners to more budget-conscious individuals.Jon Jacobson, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Read: The controversial book at the center of Charlie Hebdo’s latest issue The operative verb is wander.Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
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His masterpiece charts the entanglements, both professional and personal, that bring about the downfall of operative Magnus Pym.The Week US, theweek, 15 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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God is with us through our best of friends because friendship is holiness at its practical best.Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
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Build With Open APIs One practical way to minimize platform dependence is to follow an API-first approach.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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An applied micro-economist, Bertrand conducts research in the fields of labor economics, corporate finance, political economy and development economics.Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
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But scientists funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the largest funder of basic and applied research, typically experience gaps in funding of 2 to 3 years each, a 2023 study found.ByJeffrey Brainard, science.org, 1 Aug. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functional. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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