SLIP Synonyms: 263 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

slip 1 of 3

verb

ˈslip

Definition of slip next

as in to fall

to decline gradually from a standard level the store's quality of service began to slip after the new owners took over

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stumble

to go down from an upright position suddenly and involuntarily be careful not to slip on the spilled oil

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as in to sneak

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

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as in to lurk

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

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as in to flow

to move or proceed smoothly and readily jumped into the car and slipped behind the wheel

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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

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slip

2 of 3

noun (1)

as in strip

a long narrow piece of material baskets woven from slips of wicker

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slip

3 of 3

noun (2)

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy a careless slip of the tongue

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fall

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

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as in escape

the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement gave her pursuers the slip

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in trip

a wrong judgment that's not the sort of slip that a prudent person would have made

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 slip

Verb

With two conference losses, the Aggies, who slipped at Auburn in four overtimes last week, have no such luxury. —

Tom Layberger, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 Based on the above layout, Minnesota (6-5, 4-4) and Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) have slipped into this location. —

Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Noun

Temple arrived at the party in a stunning silk satin slip dress that featured flowers and gold pigment inspired by chinoiserie design. —

Paul Chi, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2024 Basically, with a few clever styling choices, Holmes found a way to make pajamas appropriate for a night out in New York City, trading a silk nightgown for a slip skirt and casual Uggs for a cross between a loafer and traditional house slipper. —

Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slip

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slip

Verb

After getting shut out by the Wild on Wednesday, the Sabres needed two goals late in the third period to force overtime against the Canucks before falling 4-3.

Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 30 Nov. 2024
Key Background One in three Americans have fallen for a scam during the holiday season, according to security software firm McAfee’s 2024 Global Holiday Shopping Scams Study, with 58% of victims having lost money to those scams.

Lindsey Choo, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024