lapse 1 of 2

Definition of lapsenext
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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
There were some lapses in pass coverage at times for Bishop Moore against The Villages, and the Buffalo made the Hornets pay. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026 The Homeland Security shutdown came just a few months after a 43-day lapse of the entire federal government, which was the longest such closure on record. Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Verb
There was a license which lapsed. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 May 2026 But the temporary restraining order later lapsed, allowing Moreno access to the baby shortly before the child’s death. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
Noun
  • Consequently, any push for digital sovereignty that affects a large number of employees must be prepared to deal with setbacks and pushback.
    Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • The lawsuit presents one of the few setbacks the project could face, after DeSantis signed a bill last year that aimed to preempt local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations against presidential libraries.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Both Velez and Farbstein gave me the 411 on what traveler mistakes can back up the security line.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
  • The third mistake is using wine that is not cold enough.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Castro Searching for Cubans lost at sea Basulto founded Brothers to the Rescue in 1991 during a crushing economic crisis in Cuba following the fall of the Soviet Union and the cessation of subsidies to the communist island.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 18 May 2026
  • These are intended to offer an appealing alternative smoking cessation product for adults who wish to quit.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Tea doesn't expire but loses freshness over time, affecting flavor and nutrient content.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
  • The registration tags on the car expired in 2023.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • In a stunning reversal, the Justice Department filed a motion in February seeking to drop criminal charges against the two Venezuelan men.
    Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • And Counterpoint flagged a sales reversal in the sixth week after launch, which raises questions about whether Samsung’s numbers will continue to look this good in the coming weeks.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The Knights fell behind 3-0 after Canyon’s Mia Saenz hit a two-run home run and added another run on an error.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • Instead, Adames committed an inexcusable baserunning error by forgetting how many outs there were in the seventh inning, allowing Ohtani to complete seven scoreless innings as the Giants’ three-game winning streak was snapped.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The closing scene, from Cleveland’s perspective, was pain, the sting of a blown 3-1 series lead and the screeching halt of an improbable, magical journey.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • Eventually, the whole charge pump will grind to a halt, leaving no current flow.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Detroit catcher Dylan Dinger’s throw wasn’t in time to get Bichette, but shortstop Zach Short threw home to get Benge, ending the inning with the game still tied.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
  • Seiya Suzuki, up for the second time with two on, struck out to end the eighth.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapse. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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