blunder 1 of 2

blunder

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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
If McCarthy doesn’t meet a similar standard, letting both Darnold and Daniel Jones — the latter is starring for the upstart Colts — walk out the door this offseason will serve as a massive organizational blunder, and O’Connell’s ability to evaluate the position will be heavily scrutinized. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025 No one wants to see a blunder lead to a nuclear catastrophe on the long journey towards a more secure world — without nuclear weapons. Ernest J. Moniz, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
Miami would rally for a late lead but blow it as a special-teams blunder allowed a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown in a 33-27 loss to division-rival New England. Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025 With all due respect, the U.S. Supreme Court has blundered in constitutionally shielding youths from condign punishment for violent felonies under the Eighth Amendment. Armstrong Williams, Oc Register, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
Noun
  • Let the rookie learn on the fly, make mistakes, and grow.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Get your fruit trees off to a strong start by avoiding these common planting mistakes.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • He was sacked seven times and fumbled twice with both loose balls being recovered by the Bills’ defense.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
  • But that same quarter, Kansas fumbled on a punt that K-State turned into a touchdown.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Soon after Columbus stumbled across the Americas (in 1492), Cortés toppled the Aztec Empire (in 1521), and Pizarro did the same with the Inca one (in 1533).
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But Zoë’s first adaptation stumbles out of the gate — in large part because this show isn’t really her show.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For Baltimore, the margin for error is gone.
    Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The Wolverines then made three consecutive hitting errors, essentially putting the set out of reach.
    Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nicholas trips over a bramble, falls to his hands and knees in the soaking grass.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Marchand had a shot on goal five seconds into the game, drew a tripping penalty 33 seconds into the game and tallied the primary assist on Mackie Samoskevich’s goal on the ensuing power play.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In my experience, this is especially true in the lonely hours of the night while struggling with chronic pain.
    Joni Eareckson Tada, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • After an effort to create a Falls of the Ohio national park fell short in 1967, Kentucky and Indiana officials struggled to stop the falls from becoming a garbage dump.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on blunder

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