1
as in setbacks
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 mistakes
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 cessations
the stopping of a process or activity
wasn't bothered by the lapse of her membership at the health club
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in expires
to come to an end
the contract will lapse at the end of the year unless we renew
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lapses
Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 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
Immigration agencies face uneven impacts if funding lapses at the stroke of midnight.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
The government’s flood insurance, known as the National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP, lapses on September 30 as well.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
On Friday night, however, Kravtsov had a couple of key defensive lapses that led directly to Kraken goals.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The Veterans Health Administration is funded through advance appropriations, meaning much of its work continues even if annual funding lapses.
—Nik Popli, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Against the Jaguars, a few big lapses in the run game and turnovers put the game out of reach early.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
The White House is warning there will be more mass firings if government funding lapses next week.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
Leavitt and Vance told reporters that a prolonged shutdown would require permanent cuts, even while lapses in spending generally only lead to temporary furloughs.
—Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 2 Oct. 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
Immigration agencies face uneven impacts if funding lapses at the stroke of midnight.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
The government’s flood insurance, known as the National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP, lapses on September 30 as well.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
On Friday night, however, Kravtsov had a couple of key defensive lapses that led directly to Kraken goals.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The Veterans Health Administration is funded through advance appropriations, meaning much of its work continues even if annual funding lapses.
—Nik Popli, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
Against the Jaguars, a few big lapses in the run game and turnovers put the game out of reach early.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
The White House is warning there will be more mass firings if government funding lapses next week.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapses
Noun
-
The setbacks last year were against Oregon and Penn State, the latter game being in the College Football Playoff.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Plus, the team will surely look to upgrade its starting rotation after a series of injuries and setbacks drove its early exit.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
-
From a potentially serious injury sustained by linebacker Dwight Nunoo to a multitude of mistakes, Saturday’s 51-10 loss to the host Connecticut Huskies (4-2) was devastating to FIU (2-3).—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The temporary restraining order expires in 14 days, but the state plans to request an extension, Rayfield said.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The Dallas Stars are considering a move outside city limits when their lease at American Airlines Center expires in 2031.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
James Cameron’s sublime Alien sequel is all about reversals.—
Chris Klimek,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Democrats have seized on the reversals as evidence that the cuts were hasty and wasteful.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even when Charlotte did have momentum, there were unforced errors, penalties, and turnovers that resulted in more South Florida points.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Even the slightest variation can cause errors in quantum computers, sensors, or communications systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The breakthrough centers on a one-atom-thick filter that stops sulfur chains from clogging up the battery.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Oct. 2025
-
My colleague Hannah Pinski hit the road late last week for a couple campaign stops for Massie alongside Paul, his ally in the Senate.—
Lucas Aulbach,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Most of those came on reverses or other wide runs.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Following last week’s blunders against the Rams, in which Mitchell’s mistakes cost the team two touchdowns, he was effectively benched until garbage time in the fourth quarter.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Again, special teams blunders set the defense up in poor position, but the defense ultimately coughed up big gains on the ground.—
Mike Kaye
September 28,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lapses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapses. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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