Synonyms of lapse

lapse 1 of 2

noun

ˈlaps 

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

• setback
• reversal
• reverse
• reversion
• decline
• knock
• disappointment
• downfall
• frustration
• regression
• collapse
• breakdown
• fall
• turnaround
• relapse
• recession
• letdown
• comedown
• crash
• undoing
• ruin
• retrogression
• turnabout
• down
• meltdown
• descent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• status quo

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

• mistake
• error
• blunder
• inaccuracy
• trip
• fumble
• miscue
• misstep
• stumble
• flub
• gaffe
• slipup
• slip
• fault
• oversight
• screwup
• goof
• brick
• gaff
• bobble
• clanger
• clinker
• boob
• fluff
• boo-boo
• misunderstanding
• blooper
• pratfall
• snafu
• misjudgment
• miscalculation
• bloomer
• misstatement
• howler
• misconstruction
• misinterpretation
• misconception
• misreading
• misapprehension
• boner
• miscomprehension
• foul-up
• misdescription
• misimpression

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accuracy
• precision
• correctness
• exactness
• strictness
• exactitude
• preciseness
• perfection
• infallibility
• inerrancy

3

as in cessation

the stopping of a process or activity

wasn't bothered by the lapse of her membership at the health club

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cessation
• halt
• ending
• end
• conclusion
• close
• expiration
• closure
• termination
• shutdown
• stoppage
• discontinuance
• cease
• discontinuation
• arrest
• stop
• stay
• offset
• shutoff
• cutoff
• finish
• pause
• closedown
• surcease
• arrestment
• check
• suspension
• interruption
• abeyance
• layoff
• moratorium
• standstill
• break
• phaseout
• mop-up
• letup

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuation
• continuance
• extension
• persistence
• prolongation

lapse

2 of 2

verb

as in to expire

to come to an end

the contract will lapse at the end of the year unless we renew

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expire
• end
• stop
• cease
• conclude
• halt
• pass
• elapse
• terminate
• die
• finish
• go
• close
• break off
• discontinue
• wind up
• determine
• leave off
• break up
• stall
• wink (out)
• let up
• quit
• bite the dust
• dead-end
• pause
• suspend
• lay off (of)
• refrain (from)
• pack (up or in)
• stay
• desist (from)
• cut out
• break down
• knock off
• give over
• abate
• wind down
• peter (out)
• conk (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• persist
• hang on
• extend
• prolong
• draw out
• protract

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

Recent Examples of lapse

Noun

After the procedure was completed, the shackles were not reapplied, a lapse the sheriff's office said directly contributed to his escape. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026

Ensuring Resolutions Remain Durable Installment agreements fail when returns are not kept current or payments lapse. —Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026

Verb

Chemaf, which is headquartered in Dubai, has been in a sale process since late 2023 after an earlier agreement to sell the company to a Chinese buyer was announced in 2024 but the deal lapsed last year after failing to secure regulatory approval. —Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 26 Jan. 2026

In 2019, the Hospital for Sick Children lost control of Motherisk’s web domain after the subscription lapsed. —Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026