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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
In recent years, multiple digital asset payment processors have been fined for compliance lapses. Glenn Gonsalves, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The Twins chipped away, aided by a pair of defensive lapses by the Sox. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
This contract has likely lapsed. Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 11 Aug. 2025 Some embrace the principles and then partly lapsed back into traditional business. Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
Noun
  • For the next three years, early intervention programs — including reading, music and speech therapy — helped monitor Ness' children, looking for possible cognitive or learning setbacks.
    Jeff Truesdell, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • For Ruben Amorim, the setback left a lasting impression, with Altay Bayindir selected in the first three Premier League games.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
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
  • Or that cessation triggers withdrawal symptoms—including pain, fever, and diarrhea—similar to those faced by opioid abusers.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The Senate bill is opposed by multiple smoking cessation groups, who argued that the Senate version lacked teeth to curb youth vaping.
    Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Plus, the service lost subscribers last quarter—a show people are excited about could lure back some whose bundles expired.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But Morgan Stanley’s Clapp viewed the merger reversal as a potential catalyst for Kraft Heinz.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The shift marks a radical reversal in one of the biggest mass migrations in the world.
    Megan Janetsky, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Due to an editing error, a prior version of this report misstated what match Djokovic is playing Friday.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Sabalenka ended the match with 43 winners compared to 27 errors; Pegula was 21 for 15.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The complaint also seeks the halt of all work on the project, pending the investigation the petition seeks.
    Penny Weaver, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Instantly, traffic came to a halt on the busy corridor in Everett.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Popular visa categories often reach their annual limit well before the fiscal year ends, particularly for applicants from countries with high demand.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • George Springer’s revival season reaches new heights Springer ended last season with the ninth-lowest OPS in the American League.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lapse

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