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
Again, special teams blunders set the defense up in poor position, but the defense ultimately coughed up big gains on the ground. Mike Kaye september 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025 Just as Russ is about to reach the pinnacle of college athletic achievement, a pair of blunders torpedo the season, his public image and his future professional career. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Entertainment Weekly was able to connect with Rylie over email to get his take on his BB Block Buster blunder, his relationship with Katherine, his thoughts on Rachel, and more. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025 But history has shown us that’s rarely the case: Even legacy brands like Johnson & Johnson, Volkswagen and Boeing have blundered through crises, suffering severe brand damage as a result. Heather Kelly, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
Noun
  • Steelers, Saints, Cardinals Sam Darnold was nearly perfect (28-of-34 passing for 341 yards and four touchdowns), but his one mistake was a costly interception late that set up the Bucs’ winning field goal.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Mahomes methodically pushed the offense to Jacksonville’s goal line before making what was a game-changing mistake.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Saints, Panthers Arizona somehow turned an interception into a touchdown for their opponent and fumbled away another sure touchdown in a bad, bad loss on Sunday.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • After multiple punts, Keon Coleman, Allen’s trusty wide receiver, uncharacteristically fumbled later in the first quarter as well.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This summer, a Florida man stumbled on a wrecked vessel while fishing with his grandson – possibly a 19th-century ship designed to carry rum.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • One day while in City Bowl, a residential neighborhood in Cape Town, Kienle Gonzalez stumbled across a 1920s Arts and Crafts home at the foot of the mountainside.
    Sophia Herring, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Vehicles included in this recall may have an error in the instrument panel software at startup, failing to show speed, brake system information, and tire pressure warning lights.
    Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Yes, plenty of errors were made — six of them by shortstop Trevor Story in September alone — but errors are different from gaffes.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Georges Mikautadze tripped before getting back on his feet to score Villarreal’s 18th-minute opener from a Nicolas Pepe assist.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In the Cowboys’ lone OT possession, inside the Packers’ 5-yard line, Dak was feeling some pressure, and running when he was barely tripped from behind by his old teammate to return to the original line of scrimmage.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The arrival of Clark and other high-profile young players have contributed to a boom in popularity for the long-struggling league.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Broncos are 2-2 and coming off a dominating 28-3 victory over the struggling Cincinnati Bengals.
    Hunter Simpson, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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