1
as in setback
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
the scandal caused the president to suffer a dramatic lapse in popularity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
his slip of the tongue about the mayor's name was an unfortunate lapse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity
wasn't bothered by the lapse of her membership at the health club
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to expire
to come to an end
the contract will lapse at the end of the year unless we renew
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of lapse
Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
But no similar action seems forthcoming for federal employees also working without pay while thousands are now being laid offduring the lapse in government operations.
—Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Christopher Robertson, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
The Cybersecurity and Information Sharing Act (CISA) of 2015, which initially appeared poised to be extended as part of a temporary stopgap measure, lapsed as lawmakers failed to avert a shutdown — a pause that lawmakers and experts warn could restrict a key pipeline of threat intelligence.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lapse
Noun
Typically, federal employees are furloughed during a funding lapse but return to work once the government reopens.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
But no similar action seems forthcoming for federal employees also working without pay while thousands are now being laid offduring the lapse in government operations.
—Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
When deadlines for renewing programs collide with larger funding fights, important benefits can lapse, not because lawmakers chose to end them but because the fights over broader spending leave little room for resolution.
—Christopher Robertson, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
The Cybersecurity and Information Sharing Act (CISA) of 2015, which initially appeared poised to be extended as part of a temporary stopgap measure, lapsed as lawmakers failed to avert a shutdown — a pause that lawmakers and experts warn could restrict a key pipeline of threat intelligence.
—Julia Shapero, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
Noun
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The former president’s support comes after Democrats faced critical setbacks in the 2024 election, losing the White House and the Senate.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Oct. 2025
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Meanwhile, the apparel industry faced additional setbacks this week.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This helps kids develop a growth mindset—where mistakes are part of learning, not something to fear.—
Lia Miller,
Parents,
20 Oct. 2025
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The scene where groundskeeper Walter (Marcus Henderson) runs aimlessly across the lawn borders on the ridiculous, but, without getting into spoilers, the only other mistake Peele makes is the film's antagonist.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The plan is grounded in immediate cessation of hostilities, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and a road map for the administrative and economic reconstruction of Gaza.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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The cessation of all fighting by the IDF and Hamas will go into effect after the Israel government ratifies the deal, according to an Israeli official.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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One of the biggest changes the subcommittee discussed was the enhanced advance premium tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2025.—
Dené K. Dryden,
Twin Cities,
16 Oct. 2025
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The 17-year-long lease will commence at the start of 2026, with two five-year renewal options when the term expires in June 2043, the documents state.—
Matthew Geiger,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Krenwinkel’s challenge to that reversal was denied by the Los Angeles County Superior Court in January 2024, and the ruling was later affirmed on appeal.—
Stepheny Price , Melissa Chrise,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
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Among the most visible reversals are in trucking and auto regulation.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There aren’t any obvious errors that can be laid at Darlow’s door over the past four matches.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Sponsors assume no responsibility for any error, omissions, interruption, deletion, defect or delay in operation with transmission, communications, line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or allegation of submissions.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That drought came to a halt Saturday when Thayer defensive back Jack Sullivan intercepted Governor’s quarterback Aiden Bly, preserving a 16-14 victory in enemy territory.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
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But both companies have since put a halt to those plans.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Despite playing just 30 minutes against West Ham, the Arsenal captain ended the game with the joint-most line-breaking passes in the final third (four).—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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In April, Brazil ended visa-free travel for citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia, citing a lack of reciprocity.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapse. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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