LAPSE Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of lapse are blunder , error , mistake , and slip . While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause. // a lapse in judgment

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

While in some cases nearly identical to lapse , blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame. // diplomatic blunders

Q: Where would 'error' be a reasonable alternative to 'lapse'?

Although the words error and lapse have much in common, 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: In what contexts can 'mistake' take the place of 'lapse'?

In some situations, the words mistake and lapse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'lapse'?

The words slip and lapse can be used in similar contexts, but slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes. // a slip of the tongue

lapse 1 of 2

noun

ˈlaps

Definition of lapse next

as in setback

a change in status for the worse usually temporarily the scandal caused the president to suffer a dramatic lapse in popularity

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Relevance

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status quo

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy his slip of the tongue about the mayor's name was an unfortunate lapse

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as in cessation

the stopping of a process or activity wasn't bothered by the lapse of her membership at the health club

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lapse

2 of 2

verb

as in to expire

to come to an end the contract will lapse at the end of the year unless we renew

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun lapse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lapse are blunder, error, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When might blunder be a better fit than lapse?

While in some cases nearly identical to lapse, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

Where would error be a reasonable alternative to lapse?

Although the words error and lapse have much in common, 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

In what contexts can mistake take the place of lapse?

In some situations, the words mistake and lapse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 lapse?

The words slip and lapse can be used in similar contexts, but 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 lapse

Noun

Unfortunately, another defensive lapse gave Petry his second score of the game which would go on to be the game winner. —

Omar White, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024 Lawmakers on both sides are confident about Congress’s chances of averting a funding lapse, but negotiators say another Biden request, funding to support nationwide disaster relief efforts, is taking center stage in spending discussions. —

Laura Kelly, The Hill, 8 Dec. 2024

Verb

The agreement, which was up for renewal in 2023, received two six-month extensions before lapsing on Aug. 27 of this year, and its continuation had been under negotiation for months. —

Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 14 Dec. 2024 Red flag warnings in the area lapsed Wednesday though winds continued to cause problems in the effort to contain the over 4,000 acre fire that stood at 20% containment Thursday afternoon, according to CalFire. —

James Powel, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lapse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse

Noun

Despite an initial setback in November, where the court declined their request, the teams eventually triumphed on appeal.

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Yet both of those extended bull cycles featured two 19% S & P 500 setbacks each (in 1990, 1998, 2011 and 2018), barely stopping short of a loss that would’ve punctuated them.

Michael Santoli, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2024