SLIP Synonyms: 263 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of slip are blunder , error , lapse , and mistake . While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes. // a slip of the tongue

Q: When is it sensible to use 'blunder' instead of 'slip'?

The meanings of blunder and slip largely overlap; however, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame. // diplomatic blunders

Q: When is 'error' a more appropriate choice than 'slip'?

In some situations, the words error and slip are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'lapse' be a good substitute for 'slip'?

The synonyms lapse and slip are sometimes interchangeable, but lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause. // a lapse in judgment

Q: When can 'mistake' be used instead of 'slip'?

The words mistake and slip are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error . // dialed the wrong number by mistake

slip 1 of 3

verb

ˈslip

Definition of slip next

as in to fall

to decline gradually from a standard level the store's quality of service began to slip after the new owners took over

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stumble

to go down from an upright position suddenly and involuntarily be careful not to slip on the spilled oil

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as in to sneak

to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way casually slipped it into the conversation

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as in to lurk

to move about in a sly or secret manner slipped behind the cover of the trees

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as in to flow

to move or proceed smoothly and readily jumped into the car and slipped behind the wheel

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as in to shed

to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside periodically crabs slip their shells and grow new ones

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slip

2 of 3

noun (1)

as in strip

a long narrow piece of material baskets woven from slips of wicker

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slip

3 of 3

noun (2)

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy a careless slip of the tongue

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fall

the act of going down from an upright position suddenly and involuntarily had a nasty slip on the ice

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as in escape

the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement gave her pursuers the slip

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in trip

a wrong judgment that's not the sort of slip that a prudent person would have made

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun slip differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of slip are blunder, error, lapse, and mistake. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes.

a slip of the tongue

When is it sensible to use blunder instead of slip?

The meanings of blunder and slip largely overlap; however, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When is error a more appropriate choice than slip?

In some situations, the words error and slip are roughly equivalent. However, 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 lapse be a good substitute for slip?

The synonyms lapse and slip are sometimes interchangeable, but lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When can mistake be used instead of slip?

The words mistake and slip are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

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 slip

Verb

Lastly, with Mercury slipping into dreamy Pisces on the 14th, the cosmos encourages you to slow down and reflect on your inner world. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025 They can be slipped into a pair of running shorts or suit trousers. —

Ian Malone, Vogue, 18 Jan. 2025

Noun

Around 5 inches tall and 8 inches wide, the bag has a back slip pocket, interior slip pocket, and front zip compartment. —

Kaitlin Gates, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2025 The actress wore an off-white slip dress paired with black tights and black kitten heels, under an oversize black coat. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for slip

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slip

Verb

No snow was reported, so maybe a trace at best fell, Hinson said.

— Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025
Several house cats fell ill, and some died, from H5N1 after consuming uncooked meat or unpasteurized milk.

— Sarah Boden, NPR, 22 Jan. 2025