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 next

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

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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

Kyle Dubas has said on the record that trading Mason Marchment was his biggest blunder ever. —

Josh Yohe, New York Times, 16 May 2026 But what our data indicates could mean the difference between a goal or a miss for strikers, a save or a blunder for goalkeepers, and jubilation or heartache for fans. —

John Eric Goff, The Conversation, 13 May 2026

Verb

People see this president as having blundered into a war with no clear rationale. —

NBC news, 5 Apr. 2026 Back in the team after injury, Neuer made strong saves in the first half but blundered for Freiburg's second, leaping out of his goal to palm a corner straight to Freiburg striker Lucas Höler for an easy second. —

ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blunder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder

Noun

Both Velez and Farbstein gave me the 411 on what traveler mistakes can back up the security line.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
The third mistake is using wine that is not cold enough.

— Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Definition of mistake

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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 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of blunder

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