blunder 1 of 2

Definition of blundernext

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
For Meta, the problem started with what some industry experts called, in hindsight at least, a strategic blunder. Jonathan Vanian,julia Boorstin, CNBC, 14 June 2026 The Spurs fared well in the closing minute, aside from Fox’s blunder, but the attrition from the Knicks offense spreading them out did them in well before then. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Verb
Rubio is the president’s top adviser on both national security and diplomacy at a moment when the United States has blundered into an unpopular war that appears to be a strategic catastrophe. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026 Padres fielders blundered in three of his outings. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
Noun
  • If circumstances had gone Spain’s way with more clinical finishing or a Cape Verde defender making a mistake, then the result would have been different and a lot of the chatter currently happening (including here) would likely not be happening.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • In fact, according to Rakestraw, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming the babies have been abandoned and removing them immediately.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • After South Korea’s goalkeeper fumbled a ball, Luis Romo scored the goal that gave the Mexicans six points and pushed them to the top of the standings.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • OnlyFans fumbled a previous version of this dilemma.
    Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Avila was crushed inside the Volkswagen, while Guevara allegedly stumbled to the Honda Accord, got inside, and drove off, according to court records.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
  • When asked who played at Arrowhead Stadium, Comenencia stumbled for the name.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • With Yerry De los Santos also fumbling a bunt in the eighth, the Yanks tallied a season-high four errors on the night.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • Michael Conforto, Alex Bregman and Ian Happ had RBI hits in the sixth, when the Cubs’ runs were unearned thanks to a pair of errors.
    Jerry Beach, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Instead of perfection, Rainey strove to disarm her audience, at times intentionally tripping or starting off with a joke to humanize herself and lighten the mood, McNulty said.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
  • Early on in the clip, Jake Johnson’s former tennis star Dusty Boyd trips over the net and injures his wrist in a bad way.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • In addition, composters are struggling with the amount of plastic and other debris that people and businesses put in the food waste bins.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Cristiano Ronaldo looks to be in top form after struggling in his World Cup opener, scoring two goals already today.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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