MISTAKE Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mistake 1 of 2

noun

Definition of mistake

as in blunder

a wrong judgment they made a mistake when they thought the young pitcher was ready to be called up to the major leagues

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as in error

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy made a mistake on the exam that almost cost her a passing grade

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mistake

2 of 2

verb

mə-ˈstāk

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to underestimate

to make an incorrect judgment regarding you seriously mistake me if you think I scare so easily

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as in to confuse

to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related she mistook physical attraction for love

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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

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

Verb

Reflecting on the album in a 2008 interview with SPIN, Costello said people mistook the confrontational pose for genuine swagger. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026 Kikuko sometimes mistook Shigejiro’s cheerfulness for egoism owing to the distortions produced by her illness. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mistake

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistake

Noun

But the motivations for the murders were an unplanned series of blunders designed to correct mistakes that were made.

— Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey made an uncharacteristic defensive blunder Wednesday night.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of blunder

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

Verb

The Value Of Speed To Investors Investors are now explicitly pricing speed and AI leverage into term sheets, reshaping how fintechs build teams and prioritize their roadmaps, yet Chisell says many founders still misunderstand how AI works.

— Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Keane, a former four-star general, argued that their involvement may have contributed to Washington misunderstanding Iran’s intentions.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of misunderstand

Verb

The Studio Behind The Technology Annapurna Studios (not to be confused with the Megan Ellison-founded Annapurna Pictures in Hollywood) has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for half a century.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
But there is the risk that his strategy will backfire by confusing investors.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

Perseus Rising in the northeast after dark, Perseus is not the easiest constellation to make sense of, but its rich star fields are hard to miss.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Nelson, demoralized by the trade, missed nine games that season due to illness and resigned under pressure three months later in February 1995.

— John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of miss

Verb

According to reporting by CalMatters, these surveillance systems gave lower scores to nurses who stayed on the phone longer than 15 minutes and often misjudged the emotional context of their conversations.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Taaffe, a former Texas standout the Dolphins selected in the fifth round, had an opportunity to pull down an interception on a Malik Willis pass to Malik Washington, but seemingly misjudged the ball, which wasn’t brought down by the receiver.

— Omar Kelly August 6, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of misjudge

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“Mistake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistake. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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