Synonyms of blunder

blunder 1 of 2

noun

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy

fixed a minor blunder in the advertising flyer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mistake
• error
• gaffe
• misstep
• miscue
• fumble
• flub
• stumble
• inaccuracy
• trip
• screwup
• goof
• brick
• gaff
• fault
• slipup
• lapse
• bobble
• clanger
• slip
• boob
• oversight
• fluff
• clinker
• boo-boo
• blooper
• pratfall
• misunderstanding
• howler
• snafu
• misjudgment
• miscalculation
• misstatement
• bloomer
• misinterpretation
• misreading
• misconception
• misconstruction
• boner
• foul-up
• miscomprehension
• misapprehension
• misdescription
• misimpression

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• precision
• accuracy
• correctness
• exactness
• exactitude
• strictness
• perfection
• preciseness
• infallibility
• inerrancy

blunder

2 of 2

verb

ˈblən-dər 

1

as in to fumble

to make a mistake

even though the prosecution had blundered several times in presenting its case, it ultimately prevailed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fumble
• stumble
• trip
• mistake
• flub
• err
• slip up
• screw up
• goof (up)
• foul up
• drop the ball
• lay an egg
• fluff
• nod
• misunderstand
• boob
• louse up
• mess (up)
• bungle
• botch
• murder
• misjudge
• miscalculate
• butcher
• misconceive
• muff
• mangle
• miscue
• misconstrue
• mishandle
• misinterpret
• miscount
• bobble
• foozle
• misdeem
• misgauge

2

as in to stumble

to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually

blundered his way through an acceptance speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stumble
• struggle
• shuffle
• flounder
• limp
• fumble
• trudge
• lurch
• bumble
• jog
• plod
• falter
• lumber
• reel
• sway
• flog
• muddle
• shamble
• stagger
• wallow
• totter
• welter
• teeter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• coast
• fly
• sail
• glide
• zoom
• zip
• kilt

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

Recent Examples of blunder

Noun

When the event is abruptly cancelled due to a booking blunder, the four seize the chance to brainstorm a sequel, retreating to the film’s original locations for inspiration. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025

But his blunder in the ninth inning of game against the Boston Red Sox Friday, with the Yankees trailing 1-0, will not add to his error total. —Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025

Verb

The emerging consensus is that former CEO John Donahoe, who held the job from January 2020 to October 2024, blundered by expanding direct-to-consumer e-commerce at the expense of traditional retail. —Peter Georgescu, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Six days after blundering to gift Cole Palmer a fifth-minute goal in the the FA Cup, the Brighton & Hove Albion No 1 provided an assist for a stunning touch and then strike by Kaoru Mitoma in the Premier League rematch between the teams. —Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025