BLUNDER Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'blunder' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blunder are error , lapse , mistake , and slip . While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame. // diplomatic blunders

Q: When might 'error' be a better fit than 'blunder'?

The synonyms error and blunder 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: Where would 'lapse' be a reasonable alternative to 'blunder'?

The meanings of lapse and blunder largely overlap; however, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause. // a lapse in judgment

Q: When is 'mistake' a more appropriate choice than 'blunder'?

The words mistake and blunder 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

Q: When can 'slip' be used instead of 'blunder'?

While in some cases nearly identical to blunder , slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes. // a slip of the tongue

blunder 1 of 2

noun

Definition of blunder next

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy fixed a minor blunder in the advertising flyer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blunder

2 of 2

verb

ˈblən-dər

as in to fumble

to make a mistake even though the prosecution had blundered several times in presenting its case, it ultimately prevailed

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to stumble

to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually blundered his way through an acceptance speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun blunder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blunder are error, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When might error be a better fit than blunder?

The synonyms error and blunder 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

Where would lapse be a reasonable alternative to blunder?

The meanings of lapse and blunder largely overlap; however, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is mistake a more appropriate choice than blunder?

The words mistake and blunder 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

When can slip be used instead of blunder?

While in some cases nearly identical to blunder, slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes.

a slip of the tongue

Examples 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 blunder

Noun

Now the business is fighting for its survival after a series of operational blunders wrecked its growth plans. —

Shawn Tully, Fortune Europe, 10 Oct. 2024 Sink believes Democrats made strategic blunders in not prioritizing voter registration, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when the party stopped going door-to-door and the GOP did not. —

Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2024

Verb

Things at Beth Abraham continue on their blundering course. —

Oliver Sacks, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 Trump responded that his administration negotiated the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and the Biden administration blundered the execution. —

Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for blunder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder

Noun

The Sharks scored first at Madison Square Garden but couldn’t overcome their mistakes in the latter half of the second, allowing three unanswered goals in less than five minutes in a frustrating 3-2 loss to the Rangers in the third game of a four-game road trip.

Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
As the holiday season approaches, Jordan is turning his mistake into positive action by using his newfound notoriety to help drive donations to the Rocky Hill Human Services Food Bank, his police department said on social media.

Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024