MALFUNCTION Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

malfunction

verb

Definition of malfunction

as in to fail

to fail to function or work properly A software problem is causing the system to malfunction.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

start (up)

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 malfunction In Braham, located in a more rural area north of Minneapolis, public works personnel also discovered the problem Monday after noticing the well supplying the city's water tower was malfunctioning. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 31 July 2026 As questions continue to pile up with very few answers, online speculation was fueled further by the release of an emergency call placed from the malfunctioning boat. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Others will spend most of the answer establishing that the mistake wasn’t really theirs; instructions were unclear, the computer malfunctioned, the department was understaffed, etc. — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 The director, recently freed from a malfunctioning elevator in a pithily Andersonian incident, made a brief appearance onstage with Murray. — Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for malfunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction

Verb

But in almost every case, Spurs failed to sell at the right time.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
The Minnesota United midfielder failed on two penalty kicks in a draw with UANL Tigres on Friday, but the Argentine totaled two goals and an assist in a 3-1 win over Atlante in the third and final Leagues Cup match Tuesday at Allianz Field.

— Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of fail

Verb

Long Beach police have shared new video of a hit-and-run driver who allegedly crashed into two teens on motorized dirt bikes in July, leaving both hospitalized.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
The water crashed into a hydroelectric plant about a mile and a half downstream, killing most of the crew and their families — more than 60 people.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of crash

Browse Nearby Words

malformed

malfunction

malfunctioned

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Malfunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunction. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of malfunction

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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