MISTAKE Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of mistake are blunder , error , lapse , and slip . While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error . // dialed the wrong number by mistake

Q: Where would 'blunder' be a reasonable alternative to 'mistake'?

The words blunder and mistake can be used in similar contexts, but blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame. // diplomatic blunders

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

The synonyms error and mistake are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 can 'lapse' be used instead of 'mistake'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mistake , lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause. // a lapse in judgment

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

The words slip and mistake are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes. // a slip of the tongue

mistake 1 of 2

noun

Definition of mistake next

as in blunder

a wrong judgment they made a mistake when they thought the young pitcher was ready to be called up to the major leagues

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as in error

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy made a mistake on the exam that almost cost her a passing grade

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mistake

2 of 2

verb

mə-ˈstāk

as in to misunderstand

to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of the auctioneer mistook my nod for a bid, and I ended up buying a painting I don't even like

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to underestimate

to make an incorrect judgment regarding you seriously mistake me if you think I scare so easily

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as in to confuse

to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related she mistook physical attraction for love

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mistake differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mistake are blunder, error, lapse, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

Where would blunder be a reasonable alternative to mistake?

The words blunder and mistake can be used in similar contexts, but blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When is it sensible to use error instead of mistake?

The synonyms error and mistake are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 can lapse be used instead of mistake?

While in some cases nearly identical to mistake, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When could slip be used to replace mistake?

The words slip and mistake are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 mistake

Noun

Then there were lesson plans, radon measurements, lead tests, plumbing and fire safety checks, and blueprints, each done according to very specific requirements where any mistakes would set them back months more. —

ProPublica, 10 Jan. 2025 Both Meta’s and TikTok’s moderation systems are far from perfect and consistently make mistakes. —

Makena Kelly, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025

Verb

While taking the stage with Brandi Carlile on Sunday, John playfully mistook the folklore singer for a completely different icon. —

Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2025 The team focused on the theory that some sharks may mistake the silhouette of a human for a seal, a primary component of their diet. —

Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mistake

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistake

Noun

But if a goalkeeper blunders like Illan Meslier did at Hull City (above) on Saturday, patience is going to be tested.

Phil Hay, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Finally, Assad’s fall has fueled domestic discontent among loyalists to the regime in Tehran, with some calling the loss a strategic blunder and openly criticizing the government on state television.

Hamidreza Azizi, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024