BLUNDER Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of blunder are error , lapse , mistake , and slip . While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame. // diplomatic blunders

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

The synonyms error and blunder 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: Where would 'lapse' be a reasonable alternative to 'blunder'?

The meanings of lapse and blunder largely overlap; however, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause. // a lapse in judgment

Q: When is 'mistake' a more appropriate choice than 'blunder'?

The words mistake and blunder 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

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

While in some cases nearly identical to blunder , slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes. // a slip of the tongue

blunder 1 of 2

noun

Definition of blunder

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy fixed a minor blunder in the advertising flyer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blunder

2 of 2

verb

ˈblən-dər

as in to fumble

to make a mistake even though the prosecution had blundered several times in presenting its case, it ultimately prevailed

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to stumble

to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually blundered his way through an acceptance speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun blunder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blunder are error, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When might error be a better fit than blunder?

The synonyms error and blunder 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

Where would lapse be a reasonable alternative to blunder?

The meanings of lapse and blunder largely overlap; however, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is mistake a more appropriate choice than blunder?

The words mistake and blunder 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

When can slip be used instead of blunder?

While in some cases nearly identical to blunder, 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 blunder

Noun

But no one gets in and out of QVC without at least one embarrassing blunder. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 The slip didn’t go unnoticed by Mikey Day’s Lorax, who later worked the blunder into the sketch. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Verb

Coincidentally, Johnson found himself in the doghouse last year after a special-teams blunder, while Homer is an ace on those units. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 21 July 2026 The bull sagged at the front quarters, then began a desperate, blundering run. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for blunder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder

Noun

In Kundassery’s view, the Democratic Party had made a critical mistake in the first few months of 2025.

— Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
To keep errors in check, each graph is shown to multiple volunteers, and their answers are combined so that individual mistakes average out, according to the project's website.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of mistake

Verb

Resendiz finished strongly, sending Mazoudier stumbling backward in the final minute.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Munyon's Paw-Paw, an alcoholic beverage dating to the early 1900s, has been resurrected by two longtime spirits industry veterans who stumbled upon its unusual history during a family outing.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of stumble

Noun

Someone who visits the malicious website directly may see a 404 error page instead of the fake installer.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
The experts, who had all studied AI in academic settings, all brought up the ironies of the automation problem, where AI makes errors that humans can’t catch.

— Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of error

Verb

And maybe trips like this can help the nomad way of life survive.

— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
Up until tonight, Raman has done a good job of communicating a message of hope and change, while Bass, as the incumbent, has repeatedly tripped on her record over the biblically bad four years of her first term.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of trip

Verb

Miller's attempt to recast the conversation about his divorce echoed efforts by other candidates who are struggling to overcome concerns about their character.

— Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
But more than 40 countries currently struggling with financing and liquidity challenges do not have debt stocks that require imminent restructuring.

— Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggle

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bluffs

blunder

blunderbuss

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“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of blunder

noun

verb

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