blunder 1 of 2

blunder

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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
What happened to Josh Friedman isn’t just an HR blunder. Chloe Rogers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025 Letting Tommy Kahnle, a reliable arm, walk has turned out to be a massive blunder. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Verb
Six days after blundering to gift Cole Palmer a fifth-minute goal in the the FA Cup, the Brighton & Hove Albion No 1 provided an assist for a stunning touch and then strike by Kaoru Mitoma in the Premier League rematch between the teams. Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 But rather than punishing the mistake, the Olympian immediately blundered his rook, leaving it exposed to Eze’s knight. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
Noun
  • Chisholm getting thrown out on the bases might be the most egregious of the team’s mental mistakes this season.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
  • In the annals of American mistakes, his two election victories will be recorded as the most damaging.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • While that might seem to be a bit too optimistic for a franchise that has historically fumbled from a depth perspective, the team can’t rebuild an entire defensive depth chart in one year.
    Mike Kaye July 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • Despite being ripe for a GOP takeover, the local committee fumbled its chance to usher another Republican into office, instead focusing on its inner feuds.
    Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Symptoms include shivering, memory loss, stumbling, confusion and sleepiness.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • But the Mets’ rotation stumbled in the second half of June and into the All-Star break.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Without a robust knowledge foundation, these early wins can mask serious risks—from compliance breaches to costly decision errors.
    Stéphane Donzé, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Pilot error caused the crash, according to a final report from the National Transportation Safety Board.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Families are driving instead of flying, opting for shorter getaways and looking for more budget-friendly options like cruises or trips closer to home.
    Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • The soft fabric drapes beautifully without swallowing your petite frame whole, and the length hits right at the ankle to keep you from tripping over it.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • But AmeriCorps officials have struggled in recent years to provide financial information to auditors and have acknowledged the need for reforms.
    Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
  • The party of the president usually struggles in a midterm election like next year's race to replace Peters.
    M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on blunder

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