lapse 1 of 2

noun

ˈlaps How to pronounce lapse (audio)
Definition of lapsenext
1
as in setback
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily the scandal caused the president to suffer a dramatic lapse in popularity

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2
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy his slip of the tongue about the mayor's name was an unfortunate lapse

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3
as in cessation
the stopping of a process or activity wasn't bothered by the lapse of her membership at the health club

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lapse

2 of 2

verb

as in to expire
to come to an end the contract will lapse at the end of the year unless we renew

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
At the end of July, the government let a legal-services contract for those children lapse, affecting the Acacia Center for Justice and its nearly 100 subcontractors. — Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026 The mistakes have been the same from week to week — mistimed tackles, costly turnovers and defensive lapses — and the results have matched. — Latif Love august 2, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
But with La Liga’s champions now signing fellow England wide man Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, and Rashford’s £40million release clause for other teams lapsing last week, a new set of negotiations will be required for his exit. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026 The program lapsed in June, as Democrats protested Pulte's appointment to the position. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
  1. setback
  2. mistake
  3. cessation
  4. expire
  5. reversal
  6. error
  7. halt
  8. end
Noun
  • But the party has recently suffered setbacks, losing a string of special elections, including one in June that brought now- Prime Minister Andy Burnham to power.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Many individuals with hidden or dynamic disabilities delay using mobility aids due to societal judgment, causing health issues and career setbacks.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of setback
Noun
  • The debtor made a mistake to incur the liability, the liability was not covered by adequate insurance, and no settlement was achieved in litigation.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Despite acknowledging mistakes were made, FIFA is still facing a barrage of obstacles that are preventing it and Infantino from moving on from the saga.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • Those commitments should be included in a framework agreement, signed by all sides, which outlines the core elements of an eventual peace and enables a cessation of hostilities.
    — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Texas law defines brain death as the irreversible cessation of brain function.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of cessation
Verb
  • However, those warnings later expired, according to the Associated Press.
    — Jason Volack, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The law means requests for mail-in ballots expire at the end of a presidential election cycle and a new request must be submitted to vote by mail in subsequent elections.
    — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of expire
Noun
  • Greg Baker | Afp | Getty Images South Korea's Kospi has staged a reversal from its latest rout, returning to bull-market territory as investors pile back into the country's semiconductor giants that dominate the index.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Since CoreWeave stock fell after each of its previous five earnings reports, the reversal was significant.
    — Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of reversal
Noun
  • But in Saturday’s game, the cornerback’s tendency to commit errors popped up, as he was flagged for two penalties in coverage.
    — Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Guardians tacked on two more in the seventh on a play in which Kwan was credited for a steal of home and two errors were charged to Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth, who dropped a throw and threw wildly to third.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of error
Noun
  • The abrupt termination of the main channels of connections and contact left the Chinese–North Korean relationship in a shambles as trade ground to a halt and economic ties were mostly cut off.
    — ZHENG JIYONG, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The decision also puts 1,500 union workers on hiatus, as much of the construction grounds to a halt, Bally’s said.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of halt
Verb
  • Skubal dug in and struck out Caglianone to end the inning, getting him with his signature changeup on his final pitch.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Jones was one of several key players who suffered injuries, which led to a seven-game losing streak to end last season.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of end

Browse Nearby Words

laps
lapse
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Cite this Entry

“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapse. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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