blunder 1 of 2

blunder

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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
  • Serious mistakes were made in that investigation, and agents were disciplined for botching applications to secretly obtain a surveillance warrant.
    Adam Goldman, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Before formally apologizing to her, Phillips tells Danny about how the stringent demands of Dr. Broussard, who visited Maguire in Episode 4, led him to nick a vessel during an outpatient procedure on a 20-year-old man named Julio, and Phillips’ parents then covered up his fatal mistake.
    Max Gao, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • The characters in Megan Howell’s short stories, which glide into scenes of magical realism, are lonely people facing the harsh realities of an often violent world and fumbling toward something more hopeful.
    Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Forty-two years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Steves stumbled upon his diary, rereading passages about his formative trip.
    Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Discovery: On a hike with her family, a 3-year-old stumbled across a 3,800-year-old Egyptian amulet.
    Justin Porter, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The surveys were conducted either online or by telephone with a live interviewer, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The poll was conducted between March 24 and 28 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jennifer Coolidge, who originated the role of heiress Tanya McQuoid in Season 1, returned for Season 2, only to die by tripping and hitting her head on a boat and drowning.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Standout episodes see the besties trip out with Anderson .Paak at Afropunk and shine a light on trans joy with Peppermint.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The 25-year-old struggled to impact the game and there was a disconnect between her and Clinton, her United team-mate.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Royals struggled to pick up his sweeper and slider combination.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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