blunder 1 of 2

Definition of blundernext

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
After that, one blunder after another. Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 Colorado's rally offset a pair of baserunning blunders that ended the eighth. ABC News, 22 June 2026
Verb
The broadest of comedies, the film’s often puerile humor is driven by an endless stream of male bungling, blundering and whining, only to be kicked up a notch by pratfalls of nearly every variety, from getting bucked off a galloping horse to tripping into a pile of trash. Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 27 May 2026 Right now, the source of the disruption in the airline industry is the President’s blundering rather than a financial meltdown that originated on Wall Street. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
Noun
  • That ended his day after five innings of one-run ball, with just one mistake — a slider that Manny Machado clobbered for a solo homer — against him.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Will this turn into a tragic mistake Daemon soon regrets?
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • But in her concentration, Porsha fumbled her words, which made the Faithfuls, who were desperate for a crumb of evidence so early in the game, suspicious of her sincerity.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • With Yerry De los Santos also fumbling a bunt in the eighth, the Yanks tallied a season-high four errors on the night.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Scientists have stumbled on a rare dinosaur fossil from Antarctica, tucked away for decades in a drawer.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
  • However, Portugal stumbled in its opening match, managing only a 1–1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Third baseman Ryan McMahon also committed a throwing error, New York's 19th in its last 14 games.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • England is hoping karma is on its side after a famous goal-scoring error sealed a World Cup loss to Argentina 40 years ago at Azteca Stadium.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Mysterio tripped Page onto the second rope, but Page cut off Rey Mysterio with a big boot as Rey attempted a 619.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Neural pathways controlling core bodily functions — feeling in the limbs, movement and breathing — were collapsing one by one, like circuit breakers tripping in rapid succession.
    Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Amid the mutiny in the House, Johnson canceled unrelated votes, struggling to get enough support to move the legislation.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The Pirates posted a six-run fifth inning against struggling starter Aaron Nola (3-5).
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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