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 Since the animatronic shark frequently malfunctioned on set, Jaws was forced to merely suggest the creature’s foreboding presence with ominous first-person camerawork instead of showing the killer up close. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 But reports suggest initial enrollment takes longer, and has been slowed down by malfunctioning equipment, technical bugs, insufficient personnel, and inconsistent implementation across crossings. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 12 Aug. 2026 Park staff told inspectors that the water-recirculation equipment had recently been changed and that the pool filter was malfunctioning and leaking. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026 Some medications, such as an inhaler, may malfunction when left in a hot car for extended periods, Bell adds. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for malfunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction

Verb

Golden and Gluesenkamp Perez provided the margin to prevent a tie, which under House rules is the same as a measure failing outright.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
Multiple attempts at negotiating with Lille remotely had failed to bring about a club-to-club agreement.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of fail

Verb

Pilot declared an emergency once autopilot disengaged The pilot and six passengers were aboard a 2010 Pilatus PC-12 Next Generation aircraft that day when the plane crashed about 12 miles northeast of Recluse, Wyoming, near Gillette.

— Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
The party crashed when COVID literally shut the town down for years, followed by Peak TV overbuild, cord-cutting, streaming losses, rate hikes, two strikes.

— Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of malfunction

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes