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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun error differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of error are blunder, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," 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 blunder be a good substitute for error?

While the synonyms blunder and error are close in meaning, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When can lapse be used instead of error?

The words lapse and error are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is it sensible to use mistake instead of error?

In some situations, the words mistake and error are roughly equivalent. However, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

When could slip be used to replace error?

Although the words slip and error have much in common, 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Recent Examples of error Ten Science studies have been retracted for unintended error since 2019, according to a spokesperson for the journal. Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 24 July 2025 Grades are based on factors including rates of medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to halt them. Sarah Linn july 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025 The margin of error was plus or minus 4 percentage points for the full survey. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025 High-profile cases have shown that spreadsheet errors can cost companies millions. Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for error
Recent Examples of Synonyms for error
Noun
  • Skull emoji: This emoji is often used to mock someone's mistake or appearance.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 21 July 2025
  • But when mistakes are punished or hidden, innovation stops in its tracks.
    IESE Business School, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • In certain contexts, that unrestrained flattery might lead to psychological distress: In recent months, there have been growing reports of individuals experiencing AI psychosis, in which extensive conversations with chatbots may have amplified delusions.
    Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
  • That's a chronic mental health condition where a person experiences symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorders like depression.
    Steve Drummond, NPR, 23 July 2025
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
  • The flimsy pretense for the raid was that some NABU officers had been involved in traffic accidents and violations.
    Steve Cortes, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • When an agent malfunctions in a production environment, the potential consequences include operational disruptions, security breaches, compliance violations and reputational damage.
    Olga Megorskaya, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Binaural beats are an auditory illusion created when two tones of slightly different frequencies are played separately into each ear at the same time.
    Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The only way to have preserved its life in advance preparation would have been to give a harsh defensive clearcut to the pines that surrounded it, taking away the sound of wind through the branches and stripping the lodge of one of its best elements: the illusion of organic emergence.
    Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Book runs a family bookstore but also happens to possess a brilliant mind that helps the police solve crimes.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 15 July 2025
  • And my perfect ,wild ,fearless, loving partners in crime Colin, Cristin and Rhenzy made anything possible every day.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Reason 2: The Obsession with Control The second myth plaguing modern business is the assumption that complex systems can be controlled through tighter management processes.
    Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • In my own writing, the process of myth making fascinates me.
    Irenosen Okojie July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Plated with vegan sour cream or traditional Icelandic skyr and a pile of pickled veggies, their rotating flavors include options like daal, chile sin carne and smoked tofu (3,200 ISK for 10).
    New York Times, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.
    EW.com, EW.com, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/error. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on error

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