mistake 1 of 2

Definition of mistakenext

mistake

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to misunderstand
to fail to understand the true or actual meaning of the auctioneer mistook my nod for a bid, and I ended up buying a painting I don't even like

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to confuse
to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related she mistook physical attraction for love

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mistake differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mistake are blunder, error, lapse, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

Where would blunder be a reasonable alternative to mistake?

The words blunder and mistake can be used in similar contexts, but blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When is it sensible to use error instead of mistake?

The synonyms error and mistake 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

When can lapse be used instead of mistake?

While in some cases nearly identical to mistake, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When could slip be used to replace mistake?

The words slip and mistake are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 mistake
Noun
Aside from that, there are a few simple travel essentials Crook says that will also help avoid mistakes at the check-in line. Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026 No one wants to make a mistake. Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
There is no mistaking the tragedy of Roper killing his own son for Teddy’s betrayal. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026 And the administration appeared to underestimate the power of the blowback, perhaps mistaking the state’s passive aggressive reputation for weakness. Eric Roper, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mistake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistake
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
  • The lawyers had requested that the Justice Department website be temporarily shut down and that an independent monitor be appointed to ensure no further errors occurred.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026
  • This story has been updated with new information, to reframe parts of the story and to correct spelling errors.
    Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • People misunderstand each other.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Many workers also misunderstand Social Security's role in retirement, either overestimating or underestimating its importance, experts note.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • His success suggests that mass audiences are capable of engaging with complexity, even when institutions have historically underestimated them.
    Dr. Carlos A Torre, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Do not underestimate the power window treatments have in shaping a room.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The California Department of Public Health is urging people to avoid mushroom foraging altogether this year because death cap mushrooms are easily confused with safe, edible varieties.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Germany's exact medal count is a point of contention because Germany has not always competed in each Olympics as a unified country, which can lead to confusing medal counts.
    Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • When everything unraveled Goalkeeper Meagan McClelland’s misjudgment on a high pass into the box allowed Alyssa Bourgeois to equalize in the 43rd minute.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2026
  • And no doubt this thinking won’t satisfy those many who feel this was an egregious misjudgment.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Before playing in the last four games, Reaves had missed the previous 19 with his calf injury.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By adjusting force in real time, robots may be able to interact more naturally with fragile objects and unpredictable environments without over-gripping, slipping, or misjudging contact.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
  • After big price increases during the pandemic, when vehicles were in short supply, Stellantis kept on going, misjudging how much consumers would be willing to pay, Brauer said.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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