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
  • What happened to Josh Friedman isn’t just an HR blunder.
    Chloe Rogers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
  • Letting Tommy Kahnle, a reliable arm, walk has turned out to be a massive blunder.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • This copy may not be in its final form, may be updated and may contain minor transcription errors.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2025
  • High-profile cases have shown that spreadsheet errors can cost companies millions.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • This approach profoundly misunderstands the nature of justice and the role of our civil courts.
    Bruce M. Plaxen, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2025
  • But that argument misunderstands the nature of the fast-fashion sector.
    Elizabeth Cline, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The logistical difficulty of smuggling datacenter-grade hardware is often underestimated; these GPUs arrive preassembled into racks that can weigh over 3,600 pounds, making physical diversion highly impractical.
    Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Try this harder alternative first Before turning immediately to medications, don’t underestimate what consistent lifestyle changes can do, not just for your blood sugar but for your whole life.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 14 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
  • Don’t miss what’s happening People on X are the first to know.
    X (formerly Twitter), X (formerly Twitter), 14 July 2025
  • Conduct targeted workplace surveys to understand how employees experience the office today—what works, what doesn’t and what’s missing.
    Alaa Pasha, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Washington has a history of profoundly misjudging the character of Vladimir Putin.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • The Agriculture Ministry is under fire for delaying releases of emergency rice reserves, which normally are kept for disasters, and for misjudging the demand-supply balance.
    Mari Yamaguchi, Christian Science Monitor, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • These aren’t just innocent typos but often result in compliance breaches, miscalculations, and flawed reporting.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • One of the biggest miscalculations Putin has made is to play Trump.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mistake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistake. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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