ERROR Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of error are blunder , lapse , mistake , and slip . While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," 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 'blunder' be a good substitute for 'error'?

While the synonyms blunder and error are close in meaning, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame. // diplomatic blunders

Q: When can 'lapse' be used instead of 'error'?

The words lapse and error are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause. // a lapse in judgment

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mistake' instead of 'error'?

In some situations, the words mistake and error are roughly equivalent. However, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error . // dialed the wrong number by mistake

Q: When could 'slip' be used to replace 'error'?

Although the words slip and error have much in common, slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes. // a slip of the tongue

error

noun

ˈer-ər

Definition of error next

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy a report on the earthquake contained several unfortunate errors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in offence

a breaking of a moral or legal code we have all committed errors in our lives and strayed from the path of righteousness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delusion

a false idea or belief the story only spread the error by repeating the misinterpreted statistics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun error differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of error are blunder, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," 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 blunder be a good substitute for error?

While the synonyms blunder and error are close in meaning, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When can lapse be used instead of error?

The words lapse and error are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is it sensible to use mistake instead of error?

In some situations, the words mistake and error are roughly equivalent. However, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

When could slip be used to replace error?

Although the words slip and error have much in common, slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes.

a slip of the tongue

Examples of error in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. —

Sid Evans, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024 But the margin of error was actually 3.5 plus or minus points and Reynolds ended up winning. —

Linh Ta, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 The results are within the poll’s margin of error of 4.4 percentage points. —

Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024 With these real-time insights and data from sales and purchase reports, smart shelves can provide recommendations. Benefits Of Smart Shelves With real-time identification and analytics, retailers can significantly reduce errors in inventory management, enhancing overall accuracy. —

Shivaprakash S Nagaraj, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for error

Recent Examples of Synonyms for error

Noun

Here are some of the characteristics of second best parenting: Welcomes mistakes.

Jazmin Towe, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
Actual possession of a weapon is irrelevant and mistakes happen, Stephens said in court, adding that what matters is how Hill’s hand was presented with a glint of steel.

Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024