as in operating
being in effective operation
looked for a functioning washing machine, but the few that weren't broken were in use
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in activity
Related Words
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
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
Police say the driver stopped at the non-functioning signal but did not see the teen in the crosswalk before proceeding.
—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
At this stage, your vending business is a functioning, revenue-generating enterprise, which significantly lowers adjudicatory risk.
—
Raheel Sheikh,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Naira Velumyan,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Studies show that orgasms also relieve menstrual pain, lower blood pressure, enhance circulation, correlate with better cardiac functioning, and burn calories equivalent to thirty minutes of brisk walking.
—
Melanie Thernstrom,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
There are many components of cognitive health, including attention, memory, and executive functioning.
—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
21 June 2026
Guests complete cognitive-skills assessments that analyze the brain’s processing speed, visual memory, and executive functioning, then move into personalized drills and strategies.
—
Melinda Fulmer,
Robb Report,
11 June 2026
The researchers found that higher BMI over time led to more rapid declines in cognitive functions, memory and executive functioning than what is typically seen in aging adults, such as managing emotions, organizing and planning tasks, concentrating, and more.
—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
Pelvic floor disorders can occur when these muscles and tissues are too weak or too tight or don’t facilitate the proper functioning of these organs for other reasons.
—
Stacey Colino,
Time,
9 June 2026
Also lying latent was a decline in the bipartisan functioning of Congress.
—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
Consistent short sleep, however, has been linked to measurable declines in cognitive performance and day-to-day functioning, while chronic sleep deprivation is associated with more serious long-term health risks.
—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
6 July 2026
When Sichuan University researchers gave senolytics, drugs designed to clear out cells that have stopped functioning but linger in the body anyway, to aged mice, the animals regained the ability to form new dentin and maintain healthy pulp tissue.
—
Allison Palmer
july 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 July 2026
The court was established in 2001 and began functioning four years later as both an international court to settle disputes among Caribbean countries and as a final court of appeal.
—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2026
Rather than functioning as a standalone spotlight, the SLL is part of the military and civil aviation trend toward networked mission equipment, in which sensors, cockpit displays, and aircraft subsystems share information to improve decision-making.
—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
6 July 2026
Max is accompanied on his adventures by anxious robot C-3PO AB Sitter, and FX, a magical alien masquerading as a toy who can turn the kid's implausibly impressive sand sculptures into fully functioning robots.
—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
5 July 2026
Royal courts ceased functioning throughout much of the colonies.
—
Joseph Andrew,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
The kart base is fitted with a Lego nose, sidepods and rear wing, as well as functioning flashing lights on the rear of the kart that can be used in the rain.
—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
In March, Ford issued a recall for F-150 trucks, as well as the Maverick, Ranger, and more, due to a trailer module software issue that could stop trailer turn signal indicators, brake lamps, and even brakes from functioning properly.
—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Adjective
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
Police say the driver stopped at the non-functioning signal but did not see the teen in the crosswalk before proceeding.
—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
At this stage, your vending business is a functioning, revenue-generating enterprise, which significantly lowers adjudicatory risk.
—
Raheel Sheikh,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
Hence, the organization’s goals becoming personally meaningful to people promotes the organization’s functioning.
—
Naira Velumyan,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Studies show that orgasms also relieve menstrual pain, lower blood pressure, enhance circulation, correlate with better cardiac functioning, and burn calories equivalent to thirty minutes of brisk walking.
—
Melanie Thernstrom,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
There are many components of cognitive health, including attention, memory, and executive functioning.
—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
21 June 2026
Guests complete cognitive-skills assessments that analyze the brain’s processing speed, visual memory, and executive functioning, then move into personalized drills and strategies.
—
Melinda Fulmer,
Robb Report,
11 June 2026
The researchers found that higher BMI over time led to more rapid declines in cognitive functions, memory and executive functioning than what is typically seen in aging adults, such as managing emotions, organizing and planning tasks, concentrating, and more.
—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
Pelvic floor disorders can occur when these muscles and tissues are too weak or too tight or don’t facilitate the proper functioning of these organs for other reasons.
—
Stacey Colino,
Time,
9 June 2026
Also lying latent was a decline in the bipartisan functioning of Congress.
—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
Consistent short sleep, however, has been linked to measurable declines in cognitive performance and day-to-day functioning, while chronic sleep deprivation is associated with more serious long-term health risks.
—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Verb
When the research team treated aged mice with senolytics, drugs already generating attention in human longevity circles for clearing out cells that have stopped functioning but won’t die off, tooth structure and pulp condition measurably improved.
—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
6 July 2026
When Sichuan University researchers gave senolytics, drugs designed to clear out cells that have stopped functioning but linger in the body anyway, to aged mice, the animals regained the ability to form new dentin and maintain healthy pulp tissue.
—
Allison Palmer
july 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 July 2026
The court was established in 2001 and began functioning four years later as both an international court to settle disputes among Caribbean countries and as a final court of appeal.
—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2026
Rather than functioning as a standalone spotlight, the SLL is part of the military and civil aviation trend toward networked mission equipment, in which sensors, cockpit displays, and aircraft subsystems share information to improve decision-making.
—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
6 July 2026
Max is accompanied on his adventures by anxious robot C-3PO AB Sitter, and FX, a magical alien masquerading as a toy who can turn the kid's implausibly impressive sand sculptures into fully functioning robots.
—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
5 July 2026
Royal courts ceased functioning throughout much of the colonies.
—
Joseph Andrew,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
The kart base is fitted with a Lego nose, sidepods and rear wing, as well as functioning flashing lights on the rear of the kart that can be used in the rain.
—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
In March, Ford issued a recall for F-150 trucks, as well as the Maverick, Ranger, and more, due to a trailer module software issue that could stop trailer turn signal indicators, brake lamps, and even brakes from functioning properly.
—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for functioning
Adjective
-
True, some if the upside surprise has come from non-operating gains on holdings in huge, private AI pioneers, but not all of it.
-
Exxon operates some of the wells directly and holds a financial, non-operating interest in the others.
Noun
-
The purchase reflects a broader effort to improve protection at military bases as unauthorized drone activity becomes more common.
-
But when menstrual symptoms become severe enough to interfere with work, school, relationships or daily activities, something more serious may be going on.
Verb
-
George Clooney will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival, recognizing a career that has spanned acting, directing and producing across film and television.
-
Streever sent the email in January to Todd Lyons, then the acting director of ICE, after an immigration officer fatally shot Minneapolis resident Renee Good during an anti-ICE demonstration.
Adjective
-
Adding to this context, engineering manager Roel Verhoeven noted that the primary hurdle for commercial fusion is ensuring that plants can actually be serviced throughout their operational lifespans.
-
North Korea first unveiled the Choe Hyon in April 2025, which Kim portrayed as a major step toward expanding his military’s operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities.
Noun
-
An emphasis on wellness means not only pampering spa treatments but advanced health tech, movement, and meditation sessions over an entire floor.
-
Sinlaku’s slow movement (in contrast to Bavi) worsened impacts by keeping destructive winds and torrential rain over the islands for hours, rather than moving through quickly.
Verb
-
Two Latinos are running in this year’s election to replace Councilmember Curren Price, who is Black and retiring after serving the maximum three terms.
-
That collection includes serving trays, platters, linens, vases, and wine goblets with pops of blues and yellows for a coastal vibe.
Adjective
-
The upcoming Splatoon Raiders ditches the series' trademark, competitive multiplayer shooting, to focus entirely on single-player and co-operative raids.
-
The automatic stay halts proceedings but doesn't compel creditors to undo pre-petition filings without operative effect.
Noun
-
Some critics on social media counter that the gatherings risk turning spirituality into spectacle, performance and commodity all at once.
-
Rendon’s attitude and performance became so disappointing that the Angels effectively told him to stay away in 2026 and restructured the final year of his contract.
Cite this Entry
“Functioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/functioning. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
