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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 Moreover, no single person has full control, which drastically reduces the risk of errors and fraud. Matt Emma, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 Last week Starmer also saw his deputy, Angela Rayner, quit over a tax error on a home purchase. Pan Pylas, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025 In reality, the benefit is even bigger than that, because a player who bunts will also sometimes reach on errors and sometimes get an extra base on the error. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025 The poll's margin of error was 4 percent. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for error
Recent Examples of Synonyms for error
Noun
  • But Trump has seemed to suggest that the drone incident may have been a mistake.
    Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Consumer Behavior Supports Continued Innovation One of leaders’ biggest mistakes during volatile periods is assuming all consumer behavior changes negatively.
    Talbott Roche, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The music business, theater, Hollywood — these are obvious places to find folks who live in constant delusion, not to mention places Guest was already well familiar with.
    Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Notably, Illinois banned AI therapy after research found chatbot therapists fuel delusions, and California is close to becoming the first state to restrict companion bots to protect kids.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Shrader missed badly from 60 yards but Tillman’s infraction gave the Colts another untimed down and Shrader nailed the do-over to give Indy its first 2-0 start since 2009 and send the Broncos home with big regrets over their blunder.
    Arnie Stapleton, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Pittsburgh Steelers kick returner Kaleb Johnson suffered an unfortunate blunder during the team’s game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The violation is the eleventh recorded since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, according to Defense Ministry figures provided to ABC News.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • From spoiled chicken to dead cockroaches, health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City area restaurants last week.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Of course, such high-tech innovations, providing the illusion of a social environment, have both pluses and minuses.
    Alan Lightman September 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Shatter your illusions of love?
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But within those few episodes is a devastating story about a young boy who commits a horrendous crime that unfolds in excruciating detail, with each episode consisting of a single long shot.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Studies have also shown that the extra hour of daylight has resulted in safer roads, lower crime rates and economic benefits.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Cortège Out on the cricket fields at The Los Angeles Equestrian Center, an experiential open-air event is bringing together dance, sound, light, puppetry, costume, myth, and robotic canines.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The myth of Chinese tunnels has circulated for more than a century.
    Beth Lew-Williams, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Sagrada Família was founded as an expiatory church, meaning that it would be financed by prayerful donations from people atoning for their sins.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Lee and her brother William would preach far and wide to attract people to their cause (a necessity, given the lifetime celibacy requirement) and their pursuit of a utopian society free of any and all sin.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/error. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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