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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 Ars also encountered some significant delays and/or outright errors when downloading other games and updates and syncing cloud saves on Steam during this morning's server problems. Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025 Others said Trump should be afforded a new trial due to errors in the trial judge's determinations. Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Simple errors like misspelled names and wrong dates create cascading delays. Douglas B. Laney, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 That warrant was later corrected after a clerical error listed Menendez Abdala’s birth year incorrectly. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for error
Recent Examples of Synonyms for error
Noun
  • Having the confidence to make tough decisions, to trust your team, to learn from your mistakes, and to keep moving forward.
    WWD Staff, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That, in my opinion, is a mistake.
    Arthur Azizov, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For an in-depth look at AI psychosis and especially the co-creation of delusions via human-AI collaboration, see my recent analysis at the link here.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • If someone is already at risk of paranoia or delusions, AI may validate their thoughts in a way that intensifies their beliefs.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Buffalo, known for end-of-half blunders in past years, scored a field goal as the first half expired after moving the ball 48 yards in three plays (including a spike).
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • As competition heated up with Walmart, Target made what may be viewed by some in hindsight a profound blunder, another case of brand amnesia.
    Greg Petro, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The bills, named for the global pop star — and the frantic rush to get tickets for her shows around the country — strengthen penalties for using bots to buy tickets in bulk and give the state attorney general the ability to investigate potential violations of the law.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Expending taxpayer funds on a capital project without secured or approved funding is both fiscally irresponsible and a violation of sound budgeting practices.
    Penny Weaver, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement The difference in hurricane activity between the two oceans is actually more climatological illusion than fact.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Torches held by ancient hands would have given the tableau the illusion of movement.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Intersectionality proposes that societal problems such as crime and illiteracy correct themselves if opportunities and environments are evened out via public policy.
    John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond crime, social issues and weather, my happy place has always been the zoo.
    Liz Dufour, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Getting Started With Beginning Meditation Steps Plenty of obstacles and myths abound that can keep you from taking the first step to meditate.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Inadequate medical advice can lead to injury, burnout or premature retirement from sports, and the persistent myth that pregnancy is an athletic liability can discourage sponsorships and media coverage.
    Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But after Davina publicly accuses Julia mid-labor of seducing Lord Lovat, the group of women suddenly turn on Julia, yelling at her to repent her sins and repeatedly questioning her about the paternity of her child.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The film’s chief sin is its effortful posture of compassion for the plight of these boys, and those like them in the real world.
    Richard Lawson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/error. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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