blunder 1 of 2

noun

Definition of blundernext
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy fixed a minor blunder in the advertising flyer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blunder

2 of 2

verb

ˈblən-dər How to pronounce blunder (audio)
1
as in to fumble
to make a mistake even though the prosecution had blundered several times in presenting its case, it ultimately prevailed

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to stumble
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually blundered his way through an acceptance speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
After a blunder in the semifinal loss against Panama by perennial starter Turner, Steffen was set to play in the third-place match against Canada, but was sidelined by an illness. —Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 22 May 2025 Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement largely quieted the media frenzy surrounding the leak of U.S. military attack plans to Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, what was widely considered to be the first major blunder of his second term. —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
Your opponent is probably going to blunder one, too. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025 Lawmakers blunder in another way regarding VAT rate preferences. —Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunder
  1. mistake
  2. fumble
  3. stumble
  4. error
  5. trip
  6. struggle
Noun
  • Choosing smoothies low in protein and fiber, adding sugary ingredients to your smoothie, and using low-calorie smoothies as meal replacements are just some of the smoothie mistakes that could be sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
    — Jillian Kubala, Health, 3 June 2025
  • The teenager from India, under pressure throughout much of the game, capitalized on a rare mistake from the Norwegian veteran to seize victory.
    — Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Definition of mistake
Verb
  • Massey ranged to his left, lost his footing and fumbled the ball.
    — Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
  • Gutierrez found the jury was confused by antitrust law elements and fumbled a calculation for damages by mistaking an overcharge with a discount.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 May 2025
Definition of fumble
Verb
  • Per a fan video, at one point during the show, after spinning his microphone and tossing it towards the audience, Joel appeared to stumble, falling backwards and landing on his side.
    — Marina Watts, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • No one stumbled into creating a billion dollar company, gingerly broke a world record, or cautiously planned and lived their peak life.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of stumble
Noun
  • Only one major-league third baseman, the San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado, has more errors than Muncy’s eight through his first 49 games of the season.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • The poll of 1,136 Democrats carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.89 percentage points.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Definition of error
Verb
  • There’s never been any danger that Christopher McQuarrie would trip, fall, and accidentally make Barry Lyndon.
    — Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025
  • Piper Niven tripped Vega while Green was distracting the referee before Raw went to break.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of trip
Verb
  • From dropout to overachiever For most of her life, Mui struggled to fit into society’s mold.
    — Ernestine Siu, CNBC, 23 May 2025
  • Rob Crossan January 17, 2025 Marketed as a luxury tourist destination, the Maldives struggles with the legacy of an authoritarian government and the existential threat of climate change.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 23 May 2025
Definition of struggle

Browse Nearby Words

bluffs
blunder
blunderbuss
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Cite this Entry

“Blunder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunder. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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