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lapse

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verb

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 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 lapse
Noun
But Republicans are ramping up scrutiny on the agency’s handling of the disaster dollars and pressing for more information around the circumstances surrounding the funding lapse. Aris Folley, The Hill, 25 Nov. 2024 Lawmakers on both sides are expecting Congress to pass a short-term stopgap, also known as a continuing resolution, into early next year to stave off a funding lapse during the holiday season. Aris Folley, The Hill, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
Studio executives later passed on the siblings’ version and allowed the book’s option to lapse. Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024 But under the Save America’s Pastime Act, minimum wage and overtime laws would not apply if that collective bargaining agreement were to lapse. Rebecca Tauber, The Athletic, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lapse 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
Noun
  • Despite the setback, Battle won a split decision but faced boos from fans at T-Mobile Arena following the bout.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • But by remaining below the threshold that would provoke Iranian retaliation, Israel fell short of achieving decisive setbacks against Hezbollah or Iran.
    Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • In my experience, companies with strong safety capabilities typically have robust systems and processes that identify risks, are willing and able to learn from mistakes and proactively build resilience against the unexpected.
    Andreza Araujo, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Currency with mistakes can also be worth a lot, so be on the lookout for modern dimes without the S mark.
    Miguel Legoas, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The program also enrolled 194 people in its smoking cessation program, which led to 60 people quitting smoking.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 3 Dec. 2024
  • Resolutions 242 and 338, passed in the immediate aftermath of the Six-Day War of 1967 and the 1973 war, respectively, call for a cessation of fighting and return of territories captured (presumably, to Egypt, Jordan, and Syria).
    Jonah Blank, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • After that expired, the Rangers signed him to a two-year deal.
    Sam Blum, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The biggest offender is McAfee, which will nag you repeatedly after the short trial expires.
    Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Filip realized an inevitable role reversal had occurred.
    Fred Topel, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2024
  • After a couple rounds of appeals and reversals, the man left the nursing home and died four days later.
    Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • By empowering legal teams to achieve accurate, timely SEC compliance, his innovations help companies avoid costly errors and regulatory issues, ultimately supporting investor confidence and market integrity.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Externalities can and do bring on higher prices without having anything to do with currency error.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Conservative commentators suggested recently that tariff discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had led to a halt in migrant caravans crossing the border.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The truce called for a 60-day halt in fighting, which aims to end more than a year of war between Hezbollah and Israel that’s part of a wider regional conflict sparked by the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
    Natalie Meltzer and Sally Abou Aljoud, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • So, out of the 24, how did those teams end their seasons?
    Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • After those relationships ended, the close friends became roommates, leading to their love affair.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near lapse

Cite this Entry

“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapse. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lapse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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