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
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a disappointing Week 1 loss against the Buffalo Bills after a critical mistake from running back Derrick Henry. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 It may be riddled with mistakes. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
But Angelenos might have mistaken it for basic pogo-ing. Chris Willman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 Younger Recently divorced and adjusting to life as an empty nester, fortysomething Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) gains a boost of confidence once a 26-year-old tattoo artist mistakes her for someone his age. Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mistake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistake
Noun
  • Buffalo, known for end-of-half blunders in past years, scored a field goal as the first half expired after moving the ball 48 yards in three plays (including a spike).
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • As competition heated up with Walmart, Target made what may be viewed by some in hindsight a profound blunder, another case of brand amnesia.
    Greg Petro, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Due to an editing error, a prior version of this report misstated what match Djokovic is playing Friday.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Sabalenka ended the match with 43 winners compared to 27 errors; Pegula was 21 for 15.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Furthermore, even if the AI isn’t the culprit in souring their mental health, a person might misunderstand the AI.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The same kind of misunderstanding speckles the discourse around Live Laugh Love, his stellar new album.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Show the shop floor in action Don’t underestimate how compelling your day-to-day operations can be to folks outside your four walls.
    Ethan Karp, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The West is often prone to overestimate the threat Russia poses, but also underestimate Putin’s commitment to his war.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This decision could confuse your friends.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The season ended with the two attending a sleepover at Cody's house after his mom confused Beavis and Butt-Head with her son's friends.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, sadly missing from the grand reunion that was The Grand Finale was the late Maggie Smith, who played Robert’s mother, Violet.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • An older inmate with a history of hypertension and cognitive decline went unmonitored for months, missing standard screenings that could have caught deteriorating health.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The other kids have never been happier or more prepared for the standardized tests that will determine their futures, which means their parents are suddenly in love with Maria, and her overbearing principal is sorry for misjudging her.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Warren Buffett’s Bet, Our Edge Warren Buffett’s Kraft Heinz investment will be remembered not as a triumph of discipline but as a reminder of how even the sharpest investors can misjudge structure and change.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Beijing's forces have responded to Philippine challenges with blockades, ramming maneuvers, and water cannon, raising fears that a miscalculation could draw the United States into a conflict with its military rival.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • For Buffett, the split is a symbolic closing chapter on a rare investing miscalculation.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mistake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistake. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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