Thesaurus

mistake

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of mistake

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a wrong judgment

they made a mistake when they thought the young pitcher was ready to be called up to the major leagues

Synonyms for mistake

Words Related to mistake

foul-up,
muff

misstatement

2 an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy

made a mistake on the exam that almost cost her a passing grade

Synonyms for mistake

Words Related to mistake

Near Antonyms for mistake

mistake

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of mistake (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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 for mistake

Words Related to mistake

mishear

Antonyms for mistake

2 to make an incorrect judgment regarding

you seriously mistake me if you think I scare so easily

Synonyms for mistake

Words Related to mistake

3 to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related

she mistook physical attraction for love

Synonyms for mistake

Words Related to mistake

lump (together)

Antonyms for mistake

Frequently Asked Questions About mistake

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