Definition of errornext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun error differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of error are blunder, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," 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

When would blunder be a good substitute for error?

While the synonyms blunder and error are close in meaning, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When can lapse be used instead of error?

The words lapse and error are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is it sensible to use mistake instead of error?

In some situations, the words mistake and error are roughly equivalent. However, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

When could slip be used to replace error?

Although the words slip and error have much in common, 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 error Or say there are simple paperwork errors. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026 Allen said dosing errors could be avoided by training more vascular medicine doctors. David Cox, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026 In most cases, any downsides of lymphatic face brush usage will come courtesy of user error. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026 The error rate would need to be below 6% to avoid additional state matching funds. Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for error
Recent Examples of Synonyms for error
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
Noun
  • The Kremlin said its aircraft reacted to a violation of a no-fly zone Russia has established in the area near Crimea.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The issue, Council Member Jimmy Hallyburton said, is that the city doesn’t have any definitions of violations that the organizers may have committed.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Troublingly, there are unfolding layers of delusion too.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • His bus ride to the Big Apple at 17-years-old was a risk born of drive and delusion.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • An Italian Winter Olympics broadcaster who was on the mic for the opening ceremony before the Milan Cortina Games began last week faced immense backlash and a strike call for numerous blunders during the show.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • With a regulation win in their sights, the Sabres allowed the score-tying goal with 26 seconds left in regulation and then made a defensive blunder in overtime to allow Jake Guentzel a clean breakaway for the game-winning goal.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Police officials at a news conference said the officers had collected personal and private information unlawfully and distributed it to organized crime figures, in some cases for bribes, and that mobsters then carried out shootings and other violent crimes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Last week, the topic took center stage again when Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, posted a video accusing Armenian crime groups of carrying out widespread hospice fraud in Los Angeles.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As Nick and Jacki’s conversations deepen, the line between witness and participant blurs, forcing both to confront what justice demands, what belief requires, and the perilous distance between true freedom and the illusion of self-determination.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026
  • This work by Franco-Isreali artist Yorame Mevorach, also known as Oyoram, gives the illusion of swimming along the river’s edge.
    Kasia Dietz, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But does exchanging flirty messages with Ghislaine Maxwell while he was married three years before Jeffrey Epstein was first publicly accused of wrongdoing in 2006 really constitute a career-ending sin?
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death through his resurrection.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The chief human resources officer at $76 billion giant Colgate-Palmolive, Sally Massey, dispelled the myths that Gen Z only brings high standards and chaos to the workplace.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/error. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on error

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