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

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

From choosing the wrong size to neglecting rug maintenance, even seasoned decorators fall victim to common rug blunders. —

Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2025 Jrue Holiday pinned the loss on himself after committing two crushing blunders late in regulation, but other Boston players could have done the same for their own late-game failures. —

Jay King, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025

Verb

Philly is 10-17, 24th in net rating, and almost half of its wins are over the blundering Charlotte Hornets. —

Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Dec. 2024 By focusing their defining characteristics — Lisa’s stern activism and Abe’s blundering old age — this episode builds story lines that force them to tackle these traits head-on. —

Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for blunder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder

Noun

Expert instructors will teach you how to get started, practical uses, tips for effective prompt-writing, and mistakes to avoid.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025
Misunderstandings or mistakes, however, could spell catastrophe.

— Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025