1
as in mistakes
a wrong judgment
another misstep like that, and the company could go belly-up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in blunders
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
a misstep that could lead to disaster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of missteps
But like the British wartime leader who also led his country’s fight against a bigger, more powerful enemy, Zelensky has made missteps along the way and his future looks increasingly uncertain as the war grinds on.
—
Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
That said, a seven-figure net worth amassed over time comes with a set of financial benefits and complexities that can easily turn into missteps—like a surprise tax bill or family fallout after an inheritance.
—Joanna Rotenberg, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Make sure your giving is truly helpful by learning what not to donate to a thrift store, where to take those items instead, and common thrift store donation missteps to avoid.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
But the film suffers from a pair of unfortunate missteps, the first of which is plain from the start and only gets worse as the film drags on.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
In recent years, clips of the show's most controversial moments have resurfaced, with creator and host Tyra Banks acknowledging its missteps while defending its impact on expanding representation in reality TV.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026
Women's figure skating got underway Tuesday at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, and while there had been high hopes for Team USA, early missteps and disappointing scores have placed medal hopes mostly on the skates of Alysa Liu.
—Kelly O'Grady, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
Even the smallest design missteps—like rusted fixtures or a hodgepodge of mismatched towels—can not only detract from your space’s aesthetic but also hinder its functionality.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Following months of delays in implementing parking changes at Balboa Park, the city is adding free zones and unplanned discounts for residents and frequent users in hopes of reducing public backlash against its parking missteps.
—Jay Derr, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
That said, a seven-figure net worth amassed over time comes with a set of financial benefits and complexities that can easily turn into missteps—like a surprise tax bill or family fallout after an inheritance.
—Joanna Rotenberg, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Make sure your giving is truly helpful by learning what not to donate to a thrift store, where to take those items instead, and common thrift store donation missteps to avoid.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
But the film suffers from a pair of unfortunate missteps, the first of which is plain from the start and only gets worse as the film drags on.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
In recent years, clips of the show's most controversial moments have resurfaced, with creator and host Tyra Banks acknowledging its missteps while defending its impact on expanding representation in reality TV.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026
Women's figure skating got underway Tuesday at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, and while there had been high hopes for Team USA, early missteps and disappointing scores have placed medal hopes mostly on the skates of Alysa Liu.
—Kelly O'Grady, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
Even the smallest design missteps—like rusted fixtures or a hodgepodge of mismatched towels—can not only detract from your space’s aesthetic but also hinder its functionality.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Following months of delays in implementing parking changes at Balboa Park, the city is adding free zones and unplanned discounts for residents and frequent users in hopes of reducing public backlash against its parking missteps.
—Jay Derr, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for missteps
Noun
-
The five to ten years before retirement are some of the most financially complex, but choosing the right financial planner during this stage can help reduce costly mistakes and create a clearer transition plan.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Around this time, confirming plans (like, say, a first or second date) multiple times and generally being more forgiving if someone makes mistakes is appropriate.—
Annabel Gat,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Sadly, Israel will eventually not be as lucky as Magoo, who always manages to walk away from his blunders unscathed.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2026
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Soundstages in Los Angeles would be busy, thousands of people would be working in those few months early in the year, producing shows that ranged from all-time classics to all-time blunders.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The digital freight forward launched an AI agent built to conduct an audit on all past customs entries to identify mistakes and compliance errors, as well as pinpoint entries where duties might have been over or underpaid.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Demand written confirmation of errors.—
Christopher Elliott,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Missteps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/missteps. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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