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 For the first time, many people living with chronic hepatitis B may have a functional cure at hand. — New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026 The brand’s signature intrecciato weave is instantly recognizable without being overly flashy; plus, the wallet is functional, too, with a slim silhouette, two bill compartments, and eight card slots. — Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 21 Oct. 2026 The results help scientists keep nuclear weapons safe and functional without having to set one off. — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Because this action requires all those abilities to work together, clinicians regularly use chair rises when assessing for functional limitations. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for functional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for functional

Adjective

In a June 2026 paper titled When AI Builds Itself, Anthropic warned that the recursive loop has moved from science fiction to operational reality faster than the company itself expected.

— Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Commercial operations will begin once STUK completes its pending pre-operational inspection on a date yet to be determined.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of operational

Adjective

The technology could be particularly useful in situations where drones operate frequently or perform missions with limited time for detailed manual checks.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Every patient requires tumor analysis, target selection, manufacturing, and quality testing, all within a clinically useful timeframe.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

The system can also help the Army pair missiles with the best available radar, even when that sensor sits outside conventional communication angles.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Reps could not provide information on how much stock is available and for how long.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of available

Adjective

The Georgia park was closed on Tuesday for a pre-scheduled non-operating day, officials said.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of operating

Adjective

Florida law imposes limits on direct contributions to state candidates but generally allows political committees to accept unlimited contributions, subject to applicable reporting and other legal requirements.

— Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
The vaccine may also usher in a new wave of treatments for other types of cancer, though experts are debating how broadly applicable the technology could be.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of applicable

Adjective

Post-operative test results to confirm whether the pope is completely cancer-free and what, if any, treatment is needed have not been released yet.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
The Vatican says post-operative blood tests and a chest X-ray show no immediate complications.

— Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of operative

Adjective

So the theoretical maximum is 256 ESSMs rather than 64 missiles, although a practical loadout would probably mix missile types.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Join Fortune‘s Sam Birchall and a group of CFOs on Wednesday 28th October to discuss practical perspectives on strengthening capability, continuity, and long-term resilience in finance.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

Parenting a child comes with unique stressors, from small daily hassles like getting kids out the door on time for school to the bigger assignment of raising a functioning, happy and healthy human.

— Daniel M. Bagner, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
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