blunder 1 of 2

blunder

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

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 blunder
Noun
However, its performance has been polarizing, with critics pointing to significant blunders. Carlos A. Suárez Carrasquillo, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2025 Ferrari’s costly blunder in China Post-race checks revealed a regulatory breach on the skid blocks of Hamilton’s Ferrari. Dan Cancian, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
Right now, Biden is seeking something — anything — that will cause future generations to view his presidency in a positive light, but nothing can change what will certainly be history’s punishing judgement of Biden’s blundering performance over the last four years. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025 But the real answer - Bang! Zoom! - is actually a classic comedy called The Life of Riley, which began its one season run on NBC on October 4, 1949 with Jackie Gleason (pre-Ralph Kramden in The Honeymooners) as the blundering family man Chester A. Riley. Marc Berman, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
Noun
  • There is a huge difference between preparing with the obsession of not making mistakes and preparing with the desire to effectively convey a message.
    Chiara Alzati, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Before formally apologizing to her, Phillips tells Danny about how the stringent demands of Dr. Broussard, who visited Maguire in Episode 4, led him to nick a vessel during an outpatient procedure on a 20-year-old man named Julio, and Phillips’ parents then covered up his fatal mistake.
    Max Gao, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Gonzaga did have a shot to tie on its final possession, but Khalif Battle fumbled a handoff and had his desperation 3-pointer blocked by Ja’Vier Francis.
    CJ Moore, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • After Hovland calmly made a bogey on the last to secure the win, PGA Tour fans wasted no time grilling Thomas for fumbling a golden opportunity.
    Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Discovery: On a hike with her family, a 3-year-old stumbled across a 3,800-year-old Egyptian amulet.
    Justin Porter, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Listen to this article The morning after his fifth suicide attempt, Rick Fisher stumbled to a church and pounded on the doors.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The surveys were conducted either online or by telephone with a live interviewer, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The poll was conducted between March 24 and 28 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jennifer Coolidge, who originated the role of heiress Tanya McQuoid in Season 1, returned for Season 2, only to die by tripping and hitting her head on a boat and drowning.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Standout episodes see the besties trip out with Anderson .Paak at Afropunk and shine a light on trans joy with Peppermint.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Royals struggled to pick up his sweeper and slider combination.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Atlanta's lineup has struggled tremendously this season, and using Elder as a trade piece to bring in a big-time hitter would be pretty smart.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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