error

noun

ˈer-ər How to pronounce error (audio)
Definition of errornext
1
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy a report on the earthquake contained several unfortunate errors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offence
a breaking of a moral or legal code we have all committed errors in our lives and strayed from the path of righteousness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in delusion
a false idea or belief the story only spread the error by repeating the misinterpreted statistics

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun error differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of error are blunder, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," 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 would blunder be a good substitute for error?

While the synonyms blunder and error are close in meaning, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When can lapse be used instead of error?

The words lapse and error are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is it sensible to use mistake instead of error?

In some situations, the words mistake and error are roughly equivalent. However, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

When could slip be used to replace error?

Although the words slip and error have much in common, 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 error Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. —Sid Evans, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025 Because each manuscript of the Vulgate Merlin was handwritten by scribes, there are small errors that will lead historians to where this specific manuscript was written. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025 The lawsuit claims medical errors happened during the procedure, which led to the bowel perforation. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025 All the results were just outside margins of error. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for error
Recent Examples of Synonyms for error
  1. mistake
  2. delusion
  3. blunder
  4. violation
  5. illusion
  6. crime
  7. myth
  8. sin
Noun
  • There is a huge difference between preparing with the obsession of not making mistakes and preparing with the desire to effectively convey a message.
    — Chiara Alzati, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • That would be you, the audience, fed a royal jelly concocted of dream, fantasy, myth, popcorn, even delusion.
    — Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Many of these protagonists endure the tedium and humiliation of involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations, losing days and years to paralyzing inertia, and experiencing terrifying delusions of persecution and betrayal.
    — Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of delusion
Noun
  • The lawyer, author and consulting firm CEO has spent more than 30 years counseling people through their biggest blunders and controversies, from former president George H. W. Bush to Fortune 500 CEOs and professional athletes.
    — Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Russell Westbrook bounced back from his decisive blunder against Minnesota by scoring a season-high 30 points and adding 11 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of blunder
Noun
  • His attorneys and family have rejected the government’s claims, calling his detention unjust and a violation of due process.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • That came after Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson was given a pitch-clock violation that led to a walk for the Royals’ Jonathan India.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of violation
Noun
  • Yet there are filmmakers who fall prey to the illusion too.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • On far too many occasions, Watson chose deceit over candor, grasping for the illusion of business success and personal acclaim at any cost.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station watch commander informed the Times no crime had taken place at the residence.
    — Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Pattinson will also soon star in Lynne Ramsay's Die, My Love alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Nick Nolte, and he's slated to headline Lance Oppenheim's crime thriller Primetime with Phoebe Bridgers.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of crime
Noun
  • First, there is the technology myth, the belief that older employees cannot keep pace with digital advancements.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Because Jordan only gets better and better in memory and myth.
    — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of myth
Noun
  • Landing in the bottom are Henry (for the sin of a spongy scallion pancake), Paula (for texture issues), and Bailey (for the aforementioned Pile of Stuff).
    — Caroline Framke, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
  • But the occasional poach is perhaps no great sin, more akin to driving over the speed limit than, say, starting a forest fire.
    — Mark Sundeen, Outside Online, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of sin

Browse Nearby Words

erroneousness
error
errorless
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on error

Nglish: Translation of error for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about error

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