FUNCTIONING Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

functioning 1 of 3

adjective

as in operating

being in effective operation looked for a functioning washing machine, but the few that weren't broken were in use

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

functioning

2 of 3

noun

as in activity

Related Words

functioning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of function

as in acting

to have a certain purpose the heart functions as a pump for the blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 functioning

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 The location had critical issues with non-functioning refrigeration units, which led to food being stored at unsafe temperatures, city officials said. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026 Collins says cleaning a functioning or newer dryer once every two years is sufficient to clear our major blocks and prevent more serious complications, such as clogs that can lead to fires. — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2026 Investigators say the error was compounded by non-functioning signal systems along with failures in staffing, oversight and maintenance during years of delays in safety upgrades. — ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 Velasquez said Chait placed a strong emphasis on communication, recalling that district leaders recently sent administrators guidance on reassuring families that schools would remain safe and functioning. — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 At the same time, Maguire ventured into opposition territory to serve as an emergency centre-forward — rarely a sign of a functioning game plan. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 New Yorkers deserve and require a fully functioning and cohesive government. — Kirsten John Foy, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026

Noun

Others struggle with executive functioning or social communication. — Dr. Monika Roots, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Species identification allows birders to practice their attention, memory, pattern recognition and decision-making skills, all of which support healthy cognitive functioning. — The Conversation, Fortune, 27 July 2026 Training explosive power improves mobility, balance, and physical functioning, with long-term benefits for older adults. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 26 July 2026 The German leader said Health Minister Nina Warken will take Frei’s place at the chancellery, a post that is key to the smooth functioning of the government. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 At the study start, participants self-reported how low back problems affected their life, including disability level, pain, daily functioning, and fear of exercise. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 22 July 2026 It is needed for the proper growth and functioning of shoot and root tips and is an integral part of cell walls. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026 And when given the opportunity, Andrew, 17, enjoys learning about computers, their functioning and how to troubleshoot technical issues. — The Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026 Of the 1,027 eligible women, 678 (66%) agreed to annual assessments of memory, language and reasoning, along with regular checks on physical health and daily functioning. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Verb

The railway manias left behind functioning rail networks, and the dot-com bubble left behind server and network infrastructure that made the following two decades of internet companies cheap to build. — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The states that have taken action are building governance structures that are increasingly functioning as de-facto national standard-setters. — Caleb Knapp, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 Haiti today is, in many respects, in worse condition, with armed gangs controlling large areas, institutions barely functioning and millions displaced. — Ray Watford, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 Water levels in the Lake Powell and Lake Mead reservoirs are at risk of dropping so low that their hydroelectric power plants will stop functioning. — Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026 This depends on community awareness, functioning primary health care systems that can respond early, and the political will to invest in both. — Borna Nyaoke-Anoke, STAT, 30 July 2026 When someone drinks heavily over a prolonged period, the brain adapts by ramping up chemical signals to keep bodily systems functioning, according to experts. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 Amid concerns Flock Safety cameras in El Cerrito are still functioning despite officials agreeing to end a contract with the surveillance company, the police department said the cameras are not operating and will soon be coming down. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 Sometimes low testosterone happens because the testicles aren’t functioning to their fullest potential. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for functioning

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

Noun

Tourism accounts for roughly 7% of local GDP, and traffic restrictions and evacuations caused by the wildfires continue to affect tourism activity.

— , CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
As part of the week’s activities, Oreatha’s at the Point will host Dining in the District featuring city council member Wayne Martin.

— Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of activity

Verb

Her exit follows the resignations last week of acting Chief Financial Officer Steve Mahr and Deputy CFO Noor Shaikh in June — coming after CFO Jill Jaworski departed at the beginning of this year.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Before pivoting to acting, Ali was himself a high level athlete, playing Division I basketball at Saint Mary’s on a full scholarship.

— Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of acting

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

Verb

The Carrollton native was 19 when she was killed in an Iranian missile attack while serving in Jordan.

— Erin Jones, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
His potential start could signal a major shakeup, possibly serving as a showcase for other teams ahead of the deadline, rather than the Phillies suddenly viewing him as their immediate answer for the rotation.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of serving

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functioning

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“Functioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functioning. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of functioning

adjective

noun

verb

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