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lapse

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun lapse differ from other similar words?

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

a lapse in judgment

When might blunder be a better fit than lapse?

While in some cases nearly identical to lapse, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

Where would error be a reasonable alternative to lapse?

Although the words error and lapse have much in common, 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

In what contexts can mistake take the place of lapse?

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

dialed the wrong number by mistake

When can slip be used instead of lapse?

The words slip and lapse can be used in similar contexts, but 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 lapse
Noun
The Department of Labor has already said that the Bureau of Labor Statistics will completely cease operations if there’s a lapse. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025 Since then, there have been numerous threats of a shutdown amid potential federal funding lapses, that the showdowns have become almost routine. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
Senate Democrats are using a rare moment of political leverage to demand that the funding bill reverse looming cuts to Medicaid and lapsing Obamacare subsidies. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025 Dilanian, who reported Wednesday’s story with his MSNBC colleague Carol Leonnig, noted that the five-year statute of limitations on a charge of lying to Congress against Comey would lapse next Tuesday. Dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
Noun
  • Everything has broken right for Egbuka since the moment he was drafted, with Chris Godwin having a setback from his 2024 injury, Jalen McMillan severely injuring his neck and then Mike Evans succumbing to his annual hamstring injury.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The next year Jackson suffered a personal and professional setback.
    Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Steelers, Saints, Cardinals Sam Darnold was nearly perfect (28-of-34 passing for 341 yards and four touchdowns), but his one mistake was a costly interception late that set up the Bucs’ winning field goal.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Mahomes methodically pushed the offense to Jacksonville’s goal line before making what was a game-changing mistake.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Offering smoking cessation, nutrition counseling, stress management workshops and fitness incentives can reduce claims related to preventable conditions.
    Jessica Stroud, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Three and a half years after Russia invaded Ukraine, there are few immediate signs of a cessation to the ongoing hostilities.
    Kerry Whigham, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • They’re set to expire in December, and while Congress could act to extend them, a prolonged government shutdown threatens to delay or derail that effort, leaving millions of Americans at risk of losing coverage.
    Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Subban won the Norris Trophy that season, and, once that bridge deal expired, had an arbitration hearing.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Congressional Democrats called for the reversal of Medicaid cuts that Republicans passed earlier in 2025 and for the extension of health care subsidies to be included in a funding measure, according to USA TODAY.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Even then, each reversal in her short life was, for her, an ascent — driven by an unyielding hunger for absolute truth and goodness, crowned at last in God.
    Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Vehicles included in this recall may have an error in the instrument panel software at startup, failing to show speed, brake system information, and tire pressure warning lights.
    Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Yes, plenty of errors were made — six of them by shortstop Trevor Story in September alone — but errors are different from gaffes.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An Israeli government spokesperson said on Sunday that there was no ceasefire in place in Gaza, only a temporary halt in certain bombings, according to Reuters.
    Richard Hall, Time, 5 Oct. 2025
  • But watch for combat to come to a halt until these hostages are released.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The arteries end at the capillaries.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The Arkansas Educational Freedom Accounts could cost the state more than $326 million during the fiscal year that ends June 30, according to information provided by the state Department of Education.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapse. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lapse

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