mistake 1 of 2

mistake

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to misunderstand
to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of the auctioneer mistook my nod for a bid, and I ended up buying a painting I don't even like

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to confuse
to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related she mistook physical attraction for love

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mistake differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mistake are blunder, error, lapse, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

Where would blunder be a reasonable alternative to mistake?

The words blunder and mistake can be used in similar contexts, but blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When is it sensible to use error instead of mistake?

The synonyms error and mistake are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When can lapse be used instead of mistake?

While in some cases nearly identical to mistake, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When could slip be used to replace mistake?

The words slip and mistake are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 mistake
Noun
This is what happens when kids don’t have a real chance to transform their lives after growing and learning from their mistakes. Jessie Milo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025 However, if another mistake is made, this plan will be executed. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Verb
Aside from seeing the event, many also heard and felt a sonic boom around the same time, which some locals mistook for an earthquake. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025 One might have been forgiven for mistaking Amiri’s front row for the VIP zone at a summer festival, with talent from around the world mingling and sharing notes on potential collaborations, but with decidedly more dapper outfits. Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mistake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistake
Noun
  • Kiké Hernández and Teoscar Hernández made run-scoring defensive blunders in the outfield.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Whereas the Pacers had their lowest giveaway total of the championship round in Game 6, OKC had its highest turnover game of the playoffs, with 23 blunders leading to 32 Indiana points.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • With very little margin for error, any misstep could lead to a steep correction.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Making on-time payments, keeping your debt-to-income ratio low and checking your credit report for errors can all help boost your credit score and lower your rates.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • But to define Alex Martins by the Magic’s win-loss record is to fundamentally misunderstand the impact he’s had — not just on a franchise, but on a city.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025
  • The straightforward, seemingly trivial moment—a dog misunderstanding the basic principles of light and shadow—turned into a comically relatable spectacle.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The footwork to shuffle across is not to be underestimated.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • With many Texans traveling or vacationing over the Fourth of July weekend, officials are especially concerned about people underestimating the risks near waterways.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • O’Brien says his critics might be confused because of the novelty of his approach.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Brand, Reputation And Crisis Dashboards Boards track financial, cyber and operational risk but often miss brand equity and corporate reputation.
    Toby Wong, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Pike was reported missing on Jan. 27, and her remains were discovered on Feb. 14.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Distributors had over-ordered for temporary promotions, while our pricing misjudged real consumer willingness to pay.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • In 2005, Wycombe Wanderers’ Nathan Tyson got down on all fours to head a ball over the line after the Wrexham goalkeeper had misjudged the bounce.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • This challenge has been met with Chinese blockades at disputed features and increasingly forceful measures, raising concerns that a miscalculation could trigger Manila's Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington and draw the United States into a conflict with China.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Accidents and miscalculations could make things much worse.
    ILAN GOLDENBERG, Foreign Affairs, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mistake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistake. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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