LAPSE Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of lapse are blunder , error , mistake , and slip . While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause. // a lapse in judgment

Q: When might 'blunder' be a better fit than 'lapse'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lapse , blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame. // diplomatic blunders

Q: Where would 'error' be a reasonable alternative to 'lapse'?

Although the words error and lapse have much in common, 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: In what contexts can 'mistake' take the place of 'lapse'?

In some situations, the words mistake and lapse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'lapse'?

The words slip and lapse can be used in similar contexts, but slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes. // a slip of the tongue

lapse 1 of 2

noun

ˈlaps

Definition of lapse next

as in setback

a change in status for the worse usually temporarily the scandal caused the president to suffer a dramatic lapse in popularity

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Relevance

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status quo

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy his slip of the tongue about the mayor's name was an unfortunate lapse

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as in cessation

the stopping of a process or activity wasn't bothered by the lapse of her membership at the health club

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lapse

2 of 2

verb

as in to expire

to come to an end the contract will lapse at the end of the year unless we renew

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun lapse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lapse are blunder, error, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When might blunder be a better fit than lapse?

While in some cases nearly identical to lapse, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

Where would error be a reasonable alternative to lapse?

Although the words error and lapse have much in common, 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

In what contexts can mistake take the place of lapse?

In some situations, the words mistake and lapse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 lapse?

The words slip and lapse can be used in similar contexts, but slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes.

a slip of the tongue

Examples of lapse 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

Noun

The funding lapse is the result, at least in part, of the government’s failure to pass a budget on time, continuing a remarkable 27-year streak of late budgets. —

Doug Criscitello, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Sanitation lapses at manufacturing plants or a failure to maintain strict temperature controls can increase the risk of outbreaks even further. —

Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024

Verb

Now, Apple is reportedly expected to contact the American actors, whose contracts have lapsed, and book them in as well. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2024 At the time of the anniversary, however, the act has lapsed and is not currently included in the National Defense Authorization Act – the bill’s best chance for reauthorization. —

Olivia Enos, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lapse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse

Noun

The labor standoff — the first strike by Boeing machinists since an eight-week walkout in 2008 — is the latest setback in a volatile year for the company.

David Koenig, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024
Keep your long-term vision in mind, and don't be discouraged by short-term setbacks.

Vikram Joshi, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024