ERROR Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

error

noun

ˈer-ər

Definition of error

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy a report on the earthquake contained several unfortunate errors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in violation

a breaking of a moral or legal code we have all committed errors in our lives and strayed from the path of righteousness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delusion

a false idea or belief the story only spread the error by repeating the misinterpreted statistics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

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 However, as technology continues to improve, the team hopes to minimize errors and facilitate real-time communication between paralyzed patients and the people around them. — Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026 The data also relied on telephone surveys, leaving room for errors in participants' memory regarding their medical diagnoses and drug use. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026 The quarterback had been an excellent decision-maker in high school, but the former NFL coach wanted to drill home that the margin for error was about to shrink. — Tashan Reed, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2026 Kills by Olson got the Bears within 23-22 and 24-23 before an error ended the match. — John Leusch, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for error

Recent Examples of Synonyms for error

Noun

But Langley’s affection for his hometown hasn’t kept his company from drawing, even in Atlanta, the kinds of criticism over issues of privacy, mistakes and misuse that have been simmering nationwide.

— Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Instead, the same mistakes and clock-management problems keep showing up.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of mistake

Noun

That was true in its yeshiva reform efforts when hesitant and understaffed local districts were charged with investigations and, even when violations were substantiated, the schools couldn’t be closed down.

— David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
But that still amounts to 79 inquiries now being double-checked for a possible violation of policy.

— Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of violation

Noun

Woeful may have undercut the reality of the Lakers’ first-half shooting blunders from distance.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026
Despite the blunders, TCU led 14-10 at halftime and had a chance to extend the lead on the first possession of the second half.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of blunder

Noun

Republicans, however, could take advantage of Newsom’s action and cast him as a soft-on-crime liberal who is out of touch with most Americans, which risks turning away moderate voters.

— Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Eisenberg was sworn in as assistant attorney general in charge of the department's National Security Division in June 2025 and oversaw cases involving espionage, terrorism, export control violations, cyber crimes and other matters.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of crime

Noun

For a young country, the United States is overblessed – or burdened – with myths about its foundation and how the nation has conducted itself at home and abroad.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
The company said much of India’s mainstream horror keeps returning to the same supernatural staples and predictable beats, even though the country’s myths, folk tales and local beliefs offer far richer material.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of myth

Articles Related to error

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“Error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/error. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of error

noun

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