slip 1 of 3

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as in to sneak
to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way casually slipped it into the conversation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to lurk
to move about in a sly or secret manner slipped behind the cover of the trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to shed
to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside periodically crabs slip their shells and grow new ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

slip

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noun (1)

as in strip
a long narrow piece of material baskets woven from slips of wicker

Synonyms & Similar Words

slip

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noun (2)

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as in fall
the act of going down from an upright position suddenly and involuntarily had a nasty slip on the ice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun slip differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of slip are blunder, error, lapse, and mistake. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes.

a slip of the tongue

When is it sensible to use blunder instead of slip?

The meanings of blunder and slip largely overlap; however, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When is error a more appropriate choice than slip?

In some situations, the words error and slip are roughly equivalent. However, 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 would lapse be a good substitute for slip?

The synonyms lapse and slip are sometimes interchangeable, but lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When can mistake be used instead of slip?

The words mistake and slip are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

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 slip
Verb
But a category within the GDP data that measures the economy’s underlying strength rose at a healthy 3.2% annual rate from July through September, slipping from 3.4% in the third quarter. Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2025 While sales were up 4 percent overall, the iPhone showed signs of weakness, and sales in the Chinese market slipped by just over 11 percent. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
Nothing is yet agreed but dialogue is progressing with head coach Ruben Amorim keen to add reinforcements in the January window amid a run of form that has seen his new side slip to just 10 points above the Premier League’s relegation zone. David Ornstein, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 The marina caters to Fort Lauderdale’s boating swagger, boasting 164 boat slips and dockside concierge service for those who want to arrive by water. Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for slip 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slip
Verb
  • More light rain fell periodically through the Bay Area on Monday, continuing a pattern that began Friday and ended a nearly month-long stretch without precipitation.
    Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025
  • In other words, in patients with Alzheimer's, the rising and falling of blood oxygen levels was fairly out of sync with the pulsing of the blood vessels that are supposed to deliver that blood to the brain.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Then came an unexpected loss to West Virginia in the Bahamas and a few high-profile December stumbles.
    Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
  • It's been nearly two weeks since Billy Ray Cyrus stumbled onstage during a performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration celebration.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Loading your audio article A multi-agency manhunt is underway after an inmate escaped a North Carolina jail by sneaking through the ventilation system.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Adults can sneak in some self-care with a cold plunge or sauna session at the new Lazy You Hideaway, and luxe cabins (many of which have stone fireplaces) make for welcome retreats at the end of a busy day.
    Beth Luberecki, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In his January 30 video, the owner addressed Betty, who was calmly lying in the garage while a possum lurked around.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The outcome of Super Bowl 59 on Sunday between Kansas City and Philadelphia might well hinge on which team can better protect the interior against the fierce pass rush lurking on the other side.
    Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • No one had a gathering space that felt comfortable that ideas could flow in and would represent us as a team.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025
  • But more tears, the happy kind, of course, would flow.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Woodward — Shares of the aerospace products manufacturer shed about 2.9% after the company reported lackluster revenue for its fiscal first quarter.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025
  • This celestial synergy is shedding light on the hidden gems that swirl through your subconscious, Pisces.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Among a handful of transfers ticketed to offer immediate help, Marshall may provide a jolt on defense and to the Huskers’ sagging special teams.
    Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The new code of conduct, announced to stores Monday, is part of CEO Brian Niccol’s strategy to lure back customers, boost sagging sales and improve worker relations.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The actress is a noted fan of cushiony kicks for family walks, trips to Japan, movie premieres, and fitness sessions and is often spotted wearing the Brooks brand, particularly the Glycerin 21 running shoes.
    Miles Walls, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025
  • This newly available type of mental health treatment involves tripping on psilocybin-containing mushrooms under the supervision of a licensed guide, known as a facilitator.
    Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near slip

Cite this Entry

“Slip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slip. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slip

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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