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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun error differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of error are blunder, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," 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

When would blunder be a good substitute for error?

While the synonyms blunder and error are close in meaning, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When can lapse be used instead of error?

The words lapse and error are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is it sensible to use mistake instead of error?

In some situations, the words mistake and error are roughly equivalent. However, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

When could slip be used to replace error?

Although the words slip and error have much in common, 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 error There is currently little room for error in either chamber for Republicans -- Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford three defections if all members are present and voting. David Brennan, ABC News, 30 June 2025 Norsk Tipping also apologized for the error and for disappointing its customers. Escher Walcott, People.com, 30 June 2025 De Vries has also committed 15 errors at shortstop. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025 Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for error
Recent Examples of Synonyms for error
Noun
  • My family has a history of a lot of the same mistakes, especially among the men.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025
  • Jumping onto Andrew Cuomo’s leaky ship was a devastating mistake for the pro-Israel movement.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The series focuses on the dynamics of one Danish family and the stripping away of their—and our—delusions about climate change, status, exile, and separation.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 21 June 2025
  • Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Kiké Hernández and Teoscar Hernández made run-scoring defensive blunders in the outfield.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Whereas the Pacers had their lowest giveaway total of the championship round in Game 6, OKC had its highest turnover game of the playoffs, with 23 blunders leading to 32 Indiana points.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Whether they are regulated globally or locally, human rights violations within supplier networks will never reflect well on parent companies.
    Mary Foley, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The case is likely to join a string of recent rulings from the Supreme Court's conservative majority that have unraveled campaign finance limits as violations of the First Amendment, allowing more money to flow into politics.
    June 30, CBS News, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • But here’s the thing: Quantity isn’t the problem—illusion is.
    Sabeer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Bistro lighting hung overhead to give the illusion of a starry night sky.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Thanks for being the best friend and mentor and partner in crime.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • According to the department, Chávez Jr. has been charged with several crimes while in the U.S. On Jan. 22, 2012, the California Highwaay Patrol arrested Chávez and charged him with DUI alcohol/drugs and driving without a license.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Learn the secrets behind wands, wishing trees and other plant folklore and myths.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • The man, the myth, the Netflix legend is back and more flirty than ever.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The Lorde’s Virgin birth came on June 27, and it was born with sin.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • As a result, anyone who sought treatment for a physical illness at St. Leonard’s Hospital first had to confess their sins and have their soul cleansed.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/error. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on error

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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