ERROR Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

error

noun

ˈer-ər

Definition of error next

as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy a report on the earthquake contained several unfortunate errors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in violation

a breaking of a moral or legal code we have all committed errors in our lives and strayed from the path of righteousness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delusion

a false idea or belief the story only spread the error by repeating the misinterpreted statistics

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truth
verity

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 Blasts of gamma rays can trap positive charges in the oxide, degrading the device’s performance and causing errors. —

Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026 Both Schmitt and Chapman were credited with errors during the game. —

Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026 Peterson was charged with an error. —

ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026 That probably isn’t too far off the mark, but any errors could starkly affect parliamentary seat allocations if redrawn. —

Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for error

Recent Examples of Synonyms for error

Noun

There were almost too many mistakes to count.

— Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
Getting your taxes done early can help reduce stress, avoid last-minute mistakes, and give you more time to fix any issues, such as missing forms or incorrect personal information.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of mistake

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“Error.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/error. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of error

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