as in errant
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in stumbling
to make a mistake
we badly erred when we calculated the driving distance
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in trespassing
to commit an offense
when we err, we must be willing to accept the consequences
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of erring
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026
As when Djokovic pummelled the ball into Sinner’s forehand in their Australian Open semifinal, his timing on that wing was this week susceptible to erring.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Welch grew privately concerned that Biden was too old to run again and, later, that Harris was erring by running to the middle.
—Rachel Monroe, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Finding words with mass awareness and appeal — which don’t succumb to greenwashing by erring on the vague side — can be difficult, adds Elizabeth Richman, who leads the sustainability strategy at Eileen Fisher in her role as general counsel.
—Bella Webb, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
As such, there are certain similarities with erring politicians who some believe become undone by a mixture of various traits that tends not to exist in the wider population.
—Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
Somewhere along the way, pot roast has picked up a reputation for erring on the dry or flavorless side.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026
As when Djokovic pummelled the ball into Sinner’s forehand in their Australian Open semifinal, his timing on that wing was this week susceptible to erring.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Welch grew privately concerned that Biden was too old to run again and, later, that Harris was erring by running to the middle.
—Rachel Monroe, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Finding words with mass awareness and appeal — which don’t succumb to greenwashing by erring on the vague side — can be difficult, adds Elizabeth Richman, who leads the sustainability strategy at Eileen Fisher in her role as general counsel.
—Bella Webb, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
As such, there are certain similarities with erring politicians who some believe become undone by a mixture of various traits that tends not to exist in the wider population.
—Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for erring
Adjective
-
Jonny DeLuca doubled with two outs, stole third and then headed home on an errant throw.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
-
Dodgers catcher Will Smith then attempted a back-pick at second base, but his errant throw bounced to the opposite side of the base and past shortstop Miguel Rojas.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The title track, with its glassy melody and woozy, almost stumbling groove, deploys wholesome, end-of-the-night, comedown energy not unlike Bicep’s most beloved tracks.—
Reid BG,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Pack comfortable shoes and enjoy stumbling upon the secrets of the city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Hours after his release, North Patrol Deputies responded to a business near Fair Oaks Boulevard and San Lucas Way for a report of the same man trespassing on property.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
3 May 2026
-
While monitoring predators at Python Cave — which is home to Egyptian fruit bats confirmed to be infected with the virus — in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, scientists recorded hundreds of humans trespassing to visit the area.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition to the Tribune, a local reporting prize was also awarded to the Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica for a series on unscrupulous towing companies.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
One award was given to reporters from The Connecticut Mirror, a local news website, and reporters from ProPublica, who were recognized for their series on unscrupulous car-towing companies.—
Neda Ulaby,
NPR,
4 May 2026
Verb
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The result leaves nearly every performer fumbling for traction in Serkis and Stoller’s muddy-yet-gutless cinematic sty.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2026
-
There was an emotional honesty that embraced the idea that growth isn’t always linear (see Andie from The Devil Wears Prada, fumbling a relationship with a good guy because her career came first).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Still, the result is an inclusive fair with many works worthy of a serious look and a layout that rewarded wandering.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
1 May 2026
-
There were clog dancers and baby animals wandering around.—
Erin Vanderhoof,
Vanity Fair,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As Laugier’s story continues, the man wanders through a forest, stumbles upon fallen branches, and has an epiphany.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
-
An outbuilding’s roof was damaged, possibly from a fallen tree.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Goncalves scored soon after the Lightning killed scoring star Nikita Kucherov's penalty for tripping Alexandre Carrier.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
-
Such rules aim to prevent large data centers from tripping offline suddenly or overwhelming the grid due to severe load variability from AI workloads.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Erring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erring. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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