blunder 1 of 2

blunder

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun blunder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blunder are error, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When might error be a better fit than blunder?

The synonyms error and blunder 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

Where would lapse be a reasonable alternative to blunder?

The meanings of lapse and blunder largely overlap; however, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is mistake a more appropriate choice than blunder?

The words mistake and blunder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 blunder?

While in some cases nearly identical to blunder, 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 blunder
Noun
Trump could sour on Waltz if coverage of the blunder continues to saturate cable TV — especially if a small faction of outside advisers who dislike Waltz can get to the president. Marc Caputo, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025 While the guests enjoy their dinner, Adair helps Marina with the cabins, having learned from last week’s blunder. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
Trump blundered forward before experts from the National Transportation Safety Board announced a careful, deliberative process to determine the cause and before the black boxes were recovered from the freezing Potomac. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025 Right now, Biden is seeking something — anything — that will cause future generations to view his presidency in a positive light, but nothing can change what will certainly be history’s punishing judgement of Biden’s blundering performance over the last four years. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
Noun
  • There have been expensive product mistakes and lots of trial and error with brushes, clips, hair dryers….
    Liz Krieger, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Such mistakes have been made by many administrations over decades.
    Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These are both great, morally complex characters with compelling stories and the trailer certainly looks terrific: However much Disney has fumbled the Star Wars IP over the last decade, the animated stuff has mostly been quite good.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • During the Mets’ loss to the Marlins, Vientos was jogging to first base when Miami’s Graham Pauley fumbled the ball.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Woman Makes 'Creepy' Find In Thrift Store By Alice Gibbs Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A thrift store shopper from Scotland stumbled on something unexpected in her local store when a beautiful glass paperweight caught her eye.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Contractors renovating a historic home in Belgium stumbled upon the entrance to a secret tunnel identified by archaeologists as an escape route from World War I.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the last two decades, five helicopters on commercial sightseeing flights have crashed into the Hudson and East rivers due to mechanical failures, pilot errors, or collisions, resulting in 20 fatalities.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • After making 14 unforced errors in 9 games in the opening set, Alcaraz raced to 5-1, 40-0 in the second before again offering Musetti a lifeline with two mistakes that allowed the Italian to get back to 40-40 with a return winner.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To drag their 13-3 record to that depth, the Padres would have to fall apart and trip over themselves numerous other times.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • While the elites were busy tripping over themselves to dismiss his campaign, President Trump was busy shining a light on the issues that matter to everyday Americans.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And their struggling offense is becoming a major concern.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Now, nearly a month after signing, the Tucson, Arizona, native is finally back in the big leagues, thanks to the struggling Braves' desperation to fill their outfield slots.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on blunder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!