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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
Nivedita Murthy, senior staff consultant at Black Duck, emphasized that attackers are quick to capitalize on lapses in patching. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Porter blamed technical mistakes and mental lapses for Nashville’s comeback. Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025
Verb
The timing isn't ideal — both superpowers doth protest too much at a point when the major arms control deal between Washington and Moscow, the New START treaty, is set to lapse next year without a successor, while U.S. talks on a similar topic with Beijing were suspended in 2024. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 20 June 2025 Gomes' lawyer said her client initially lived in the U.S. on a temporary visa that had since lapsed. June 5, CBS News, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
Noun
  • Chelsea has avoided major injury setbacks through its first five games.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 8 July 2025
  • Work on Barca’s stadium has already suffered several setbacks, with an original return date of November 2024 long since passed.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Investors who do not use the tool risk making major mistakes.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Read on for some of the most common nutrition mistakes sports dietitians see that wreak havoc on people’s workouts—plus what to do instead.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • License fees and penalties help cover program costs and other tobacco cessation efforts in those communities.
    Bethany Bruner, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
  • Most of that will go to cover Medicaid costs, with $5 million set aside for tobacco cessation programs.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, the executive order that established ORM and requires regulatory analysis expires in June 2026.
    Susan E. Dudley, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Taking effect in September 2026 and extending through the 2029-30 season, the new CBA was passed by a majority vote from both the NHL’s Board of Governors and the NHL Players’ Association, more than 14 months before the current agreement expires.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Under this thinking, the U.S. has gotten used to outperforming global markets for years, so a months-long reversal is not necessarily catastrophic.
    Rafael Nam, NPR, 7 July 2025
  • The reversal comes after a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding transgender issues, prompting the appeals court to request new briefs from both sides.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • High-profile cases have shown that spreadsheet errors can cost companies millions.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Unforced error after unforced error plagued the team.
    Emma Moon, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Combine that with a high-interest-rate environment and uncertainty over peace in the Middle East, spending came to a halt.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
  • Over the years, the lighthouse was used as a museum and a coffee shop, but erosion from the sea forced that to come to a halt.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • No epidemic has ever been ended without stopping transmission.
    Peter Sands, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Isn’t there anybody who can end this cycle before another person loses her life savings?
    Rebecca Keegan, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapse. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lapse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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