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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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

The results weren’t so good for the Los Angeles Rams as special teams blunders and shoddy defense led to two losses in those game, including a 31-27 defeat in the NFC title game. —

Josh Dubow, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026 The blunder in the Supreme Court of Victoria state is another in a litany of mishaps AI has caused in justice systems around the world. —

CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Verb

Long before the clock almost expired on the Packers, there was yet another special teams blunder that turned the tide on a game seemingly destined for a blowout. —

Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 Read All About It A Missouri woman was sentenced to more than four years in prison in a brazen and blundering attempt to steal Graceland from the family of Elvis Presley. —

Christian Orozco, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder

Noun

How many times after making a mistake does Romero ignore tactical instructions and charge up the pitch in desperation to score a goal or wipe out an opponent?

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Having accurate numbers, maintaining receipts and keeping financial books in order will make tax time easier, reduce the likelihood of being audited for a mistake and save as much money as possible.

— Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 7 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 11 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of blunder

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