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lapse

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun lapse differ from other similar words?

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

a lapse in judgment

When might blunder be a better fit than lapse?

While in some cases nearly identical to lapse, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

Where would error be a reasonable alternative to lapse?

Although the words error and lapse have much in common, 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

In what contexts can mistake take the place of lapse?

In some situations, the words mistake and lapse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 lapse?

The words slip and lapse can be used in similar contexts, but 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 lapse
Noun
Such occasional lapses are easy enough to overlook in a book that moves so briskly. Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2025 Seamless Customer Experiences An effective recovery plan will ensure that few customers, if any, experience a lapse in service. Niki Jorgensen, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
The importance of this is that as an additional named insured the HOA would be notified by the insurer if the homeowner’s insurance lapsed or was canceled. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025 Musk is expected to step back from his role once his 130-day period has lapsed, people familiar with the matter said earlier this month. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
Noun
  • The ruling is a setback for Khalil, who was detained in March.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025
  • Serving the community despite setbacks More than 50,000 people are expected at the Wilton Manors Pride block party, filling six city blocks with vendors, food and entertainment from 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • The Cubs, though, have provided structure, positive reinforcement and the runway to make mistakes and figure out what works.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • Status threat, risk of irrelevance, and making mistakes are common barriers.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Transportation electrification would contribute mightily to the abeyance and cessation of these current and future disasters, saving untold property and lives.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
  • Hamas has demanded a deal that would provide stronger guarantees toward a lasting cessation of hostilities, a position the U.S. and Israel have dismissed.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • But in the last several years, especially with the makeup of the General Assembly becoming more progressive, lawmakers let the penalty enhancement provisions expire, made the diversion program permanent and removed its age restriction.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
  • Any unused bets will expire after that period of time.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Later in the month, however, some were restored after a court order led to a reversal of the termination.
    Jean Marbella, Baltimore Sun, 11 June 2025
  • President Trump had promised a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants and a reversal of many Biden-era protections, including the extension of T.P.S., which Republicans had opposed.
    Allison McCann, New York Times, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • The government has admitted in court that his deportation was an administrative error.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025
  • At least some of the errors produced by his code can be traced to using older versions of OpenAI models available through the VA — models not capable of solving complex tasks, according to the experts consulted by ProPublica.
    Brandon Roberts, ProPublica, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Taylor Walls belted a homer and drove in three runs, Danny Jansen added a two-run shot and Brandon Lowe had a solo homer for the Rays, who saw their four-game winning streak come to a halt.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
  • Zero visibility strategy: In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The growing conflict between Israel and Iran is testing Trump who ran on a promise to quickly end the brutal wars in Gaza and Ukraine and build a foreign policy that more broadly favors steering clear of foreign conflicts.
    Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
  • Then, the knives failed him — another hot streak ended by a frigid stretch.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapse. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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