err

verb

ˈer How to pronounce err (audio)
Definition of errnext
1
as in to stumble
to make a mistake we badly erred when we calculated the driving distance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to trespass
to commit an offense when we err, we must be willing to accept the consequences

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 err The judge also reasoned that jurors erred in calculating damages, specifically by mistaking a discount for an overcharge. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026 The Missouri Supreme Court — dominated by Republican appointees — ruled the secretary of state erred in making the decision. — James A. Downs, The Washington Examiner, 6 Sep. 2026 The previous coaching staff and front office erred by leaving themselves in a position where they were felt forced to play Jason Marshall in the slot (unfair to him) when Kader Kohou went down with a knee injury. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 Many investors err by assuming future forecasts are accurate, a flaw highlighted by a 2001 Pentagon memo. — Scott Lavelle, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for err
Recent Examples of Synonyms for err
  1. stumble
  2. trespass
  3. fumble
  4. wander
  5. trip
  6. fall
  7. blunder
  8. stray
Verb
  • Almost sounds silly now, with the way the team has stumbled and bumbled its way through the first four games.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Of the seven clubs that had 14 or more players from their organizations appear in the WBC, several stumbled early and only the Phillies and Brewers made the postseason.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of stumble
Verb
  • Israel wages war on childhood because a Palestinian child at play is already trespassing upon the future Israel has reserved for itself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The Tohono O’odham Nation said that even if construction were contained to the Roosevelt Reservation, driving onto tribal land to access the area still constitutes trespassing.
    — Mikella Schuettler, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of trespass
Verb
  • The Cougars were stopped at the UCF 3 on consecutive drives before Overmyer fumbled at the UCF 7 and into the end zone, recovered by the Knights.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • On Friday, the Rams waived punt returner Xavier Smith, who fumbled in last season’s NFC championship game and made several decision-making errors against the Broncos.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of fumble
Verb
  • The newfangled internet granted children almost unbridled freedom — and the ability to wander far afield, digitally at least, of where their parents could protect them from harm.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Lodgings are spread out between double-sized bunk beds and a pull-out sofa, but don’t let your mind wander to sleepaway camp territory.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of wander
Verb
  • Don’t trip over its clever crossing with 5D’s [Certain loopholes], which refers to holes for shoelaces, or EYELETS.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This movement of the fabric can shorten a hemline and secure a train so someone can easily move about without tripping or having extra fabric dragging on the ground.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of trip
Verb
  • Court dances fell out of fashion as monarchs fell from power.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Odds of a Fed hike at its October meeting fell further, with traders now pricing in a hold, per the CME Group’s FedWatch tool.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of fall
Verb
  • In fact, both Gemma and Alice repeatedly blunder through their interactions.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Only a blundering idiot could spoil such an alliance and threaten damage to Florida’s economy.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of blunder
Verb
  • You’d be forgiven for not straying greatly from the Four Seasons.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Rabid bats and stray cats have also been found in Guilford and Greensboro.
    — Eva Flowe October 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of stray

Browse Nearby Words

erotomanias
err
errancies
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Err.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/err. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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