blunder 1 of 2

blunder

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun blunder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blunder are error, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When might error be a better fit than blunder?

The synonyms error and blunder are sometimes interchangeable, but error suggests the existence of a standard or guide and a straying from the right course through failure to make effective use of this.

procedural errors

Where would lapse be a reasonable alternative to blunder?

The meanings of lapse and blunder largely overlap; however, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is mistake a more appropriate choice than blunder?

The words mistake and blunder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

When can slip be used instead of blunder?

While in some cases nearly identical to blunder, slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes.

a slip of the tongue

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 blunder
Noun
These actions were applied with chainsaws rather than scalpels, resulting in too many real and perceived blunders. Leonard Gilroy, Oc Register, 5 June 2025 And with Carlsen still by far the game's top star, a blunder and loss — and reaction — like the one to Gukesh has sparked its own compilations of reactions. Jason Abbruzzese, NBC news, 2 June 2025
Verb
From this starting point, a global recession was a very low probability, but the Trump administration has blundered into one. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 The book about the lovably blundering single lady who made all of us feel seen has even gotten an update for its 25th anniversary — just in time for the fourth movie — so there's no better time to check it out. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
Noun
  • Jumping onto Andrew Cuomo’s leaky ship was a devastating mistake for the pro-Israel movement.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
  • Here are the five hidden profile mistakes that stop your ideal clients getting in touch.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • While the pull chain is much easier than trying to fumble with a tiny button, the shade occasionally catches on it when closing.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 18 June 2025
  • His team had just fumbled a win on the biggest stage, and his eyes wandered.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • After making it around the corner of a nearby Taco Bell, Muller appears to stumble, the footage shows.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
  • After seven years of searching the West for the perfect place to call home, Northern California author and wellness practitioner Osha Reader stumbled upon her peaceful High Sierra retreat by chance.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • With very little margin for error, any misstep could lead to a steep correction.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Making on-time payments, keeping your debt-to-income ratio low and checking your credit report for errors can all help boost your credit score and lower your rates.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The union had earlier brought up the risks associated with the protective platforms after another visitor tripped over one, causing no damage.
    News Desk, Artforum, 25 June 2025
  • In Death Stranding 2, players control a courier who trips over rocks, experiences sunburn, and faces his own possible obsolescence.
    Simon Parkin, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • On offense, the Red Sox have predictably struggled without Devers’ bat in the lineup.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • If the mention of Luxembourg conjures visions of banks, European institutions and a vague whiff of royalty, most people struggle to place the tiny country on a map.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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