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 Four years ago, Missouri farmer Jared Wilson’s John Deere combine malfunctioned mid-harvest. — Natalie Kainz, NBC news, 10 July 2026 On June 30, Williams and Meir ventured into the void to replace a wrist joint on the space station's Canadarm2 robotic arm that had been malfunctioning. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 July 2026 Additionally, 2025 to 2026 Ford Mustang GTD and 2024 to 2026 Ford Mustangs are being recalled due to malfunctioning windshield wipers and washing systems. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 7 July 2026 Then, on lap 48, the active rear wing on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull malfunctioned at Stowe corner. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for malfunction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunction

Verb

Justice John Dixon said Bauer Media had failed to show the claims made about Wilson were substantially true or trivial.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
The state ethics commission accused the Georgia Republican Assembly and its political action committee of failing to disclose more than $180,000 of contributions and other violations.

— David Wickert, AJC.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of fail

Verb

Sets up to 8 feet have been crashing on a narrow stretch of the beach, which is close to the spot where a 5-year-old girl drowned last month after a big wave pulled her into the ocean.

— Michele Gile, CBS News, 31 July 2026
On Thursday, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety published a list of the most dangerous vehicles to crash in as well as get hit by, which is a level of detail the group rarely explores, but is extremely important.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 30 July 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 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of malfunction

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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