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 The trailer's air conditioning malfunctioned and would not blow cool air to the people trapped inside during the sweltering, three-hour ride in June 2022 from the border city of Laredo to San Antonio, authorities said. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026 The trailer’s air conditioning malfunctioned and would not blow cool air to the people trapped inside during the sweltering, three-hour ride in June 2022 from the border city of Laredo to San Antonio, authorities said. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Zond 8 was considered a success — even though its guidance system malfunctioned on the way back to Earth. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malfunctioned

Verb

Since democracy was restored in 1989, no candidate who failed to win the first round of voting has gone on to win the presidency in the second round.

— Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
That plan failed when then-Senate President Susan Wagle refused to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

— Jack Harvel October 25, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of failed

Verb

Earlier this year, the DA also filed charges against an Aliso Viejo mother, who faces more than seven years in prison, after her 14-year-old son crashed into an 81-year-old Vietnam veteran, resulting in his death in April.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
The Toyota, of which the Chevy’s impact heavily damaged its driver’s side, crashed into a fence west of Columbia Avenue, Fifield said.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of crashed

Browse Nearby Words

malfunction

malfunctioned

malfunctioning

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Malfunctioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malfunctioned. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of malfunctioned

verb

Example Sentences

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