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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 lapse

Noun

Despite that one lapse, Streisand has one of the most impressive awards resumes of any performer. —

Paul Grein, Billboard, 22 Jan. 2025 Budenholzer noticed the lapse, uncrossed his arms, shrugged and paced toward halfcourt, glaring back at the three-time All-Star. —

Fred Katz, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Verb

In a move that has stunned Washington, President-elect Donald Trump is now urging Congress to eliminate the debt ceiling, dramatically shaking up talks among lawmakers, who are at an impasse over federal spending and government funding, which is scheduled to lapse this weekend. —

Robert Costa, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024 The government is scheduled to shut down at midnight on Friday, after which federal funding will lapse for a slew of agencies if an agreement is not made. —

Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lapse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse

Noun

Analysts told Sourcing Journal that the setbacks have been largely because of investments in logistics and growth for their respective Q-commerce arms.

— Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 14 Feb. 2025
Pope Francis is being hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and diagnostic tests, the Vatican announced Friday, marking another health setback for the 88-year-old pontiff.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025