FUNCTIONAL Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

functional

adjective

ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl

Definition of functional

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

as in useful

capable of being put to use or account a functional knowledge of auto mechanics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Yet the bath is also functional and practical since it’s made of heavy- duty plastic that stands up to inclement weather. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026 This time, the vehicle deployed a batch of functional, next-gen Starlink internet satellites into space. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 July 2026 And those kids go without good schools and those kids go without functional infrastructure. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 31 July 2026 All units, however, share a thoughtful and functional layout that makes the most of the spaces. — Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for functional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional

Adjective

As airlines promote their eco-friendly initiatives this summer, experts advise looking past the marketing to find companies making genuine operational changes.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
With characterization finished, GRETA is entering its regular operational phase as a primary instrument for FRIB users.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of operational

Adjective

While useful for tracking expenditure and efficiency, simply counting tokens can be misleading.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
But in the same way that lines of code is not a reliable measure of engineering productivity and APM is a noisy proxy for gaming prowess, token use alone does not imply or guarantee useful, productive output.

— Nnamdi Iregbulem, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

That’s attributed largely to Miami’s position as the largest short-term rental market among World Cup hosts, with 42,700 available listings in June.

— Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
The first 100 guests will receive a free two-piece chicken-leg and thigh meal — no purchase necessary, only available inside the restaurant.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026

Definition of available

Adjective

That sits on the books of the league’s 32 Equity investment arm, and 1/32 of any gains or losses in the entity flow through the Packers’ non-operating income.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026
True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Definition of operating

Adjective

Participants are solely responsible for creating and maintaining their Yahoo account and complying with Yahoo’s applicable terms of service.

— The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
If applicable, photos can be taken with low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of applicable

Adjective

Two years later, that land was a functioning commercial development with healthcare services, co-working space, community banking and retail tenants serving a neighborhood that had none of those things before.

— Srinivasulu Mupparaju, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
And the park once held a record for the country’s smallest functioning post office, a groovy dome hiding a real postal employee.

— John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 13 July 2026