MALFUNCTIONED Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

malfunctioned

verb

past tense of malfunction

as in failed

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

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

started (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 malfunctioned Conditions inside Pennsylvania’s prisons have been described as a sauna during a summer heat wave and bitterly cold in the winter, especially when heating systems have malfunctioned. — Jaquelyn Jahn, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 Authorities said Paporakis intended to carry out a shooting, but returned home after the rifle malfunctioned. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 For the rest of the industry, that could put the onus on an array of nascent technologies, from unproven launch vehicles to a troubled astronaut spacecraft under development by Boeing that previously malfunctioned with two NASA astronauts aboard. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026 Classes are canceled for a second day at Magnolia West High School after a water well malfunctioned, leaving the school without water and air conditioning. — Sondra Hernandez, Houston Chronicle, 30 Sep. 2026 The order came after the plant malfunctioned weeks earlier and would need a costly repair to reopen. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2026 In August, a crane malfunctioned and fell onto a rooftop pool deck at One Plaza West Brickell. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026 If the reason your appliance or system malfunctioned is listed under an exclusion, your home warranty provider will deny your claim. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioned

Verb

Several lawmakers tried to crack down on immigration during the 2026 legislative session, but all but one bill failed to cross the finish line.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
Stevenson set about interviewing locals about why the mine had failed.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of failed

Browse Nearby Words

malfunction

malfunctioned

malfunctioning

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“Malfunctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioned. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of malfunctioned

verb

Example Sentences

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