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lapse

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun lapse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lapse are blunder, error, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When might blunder be a better fit than lapse?

While in some cases nearly identical to lapse, blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

Where would error be a reasonable alternative to lapse?

Although the words error and lapse have much in common, 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

In what contexts can mistake take the place of lapse?

In some situations, the words mistake and lapse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 lapse?

The words slip and lapse can be used in similar contexts, but 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 lapse
Noun
Frequent lapses shouldn’t be happening at this level. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025 Ultimately, the United States Supreme Court, after agreeing to hear arguments, dismissed the ban due to time lapses. Blake D. Morant, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
As a result, Republicans will likely need to rely on at least some Democratic votes to pass a bill to extend government funding, which is set to lapse by March 14th. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 The commission approved but never issued $45 million in bonds for the project, but that authorization lapsed amid changing political dynamics and wavering support from commissioners. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapse
Noun
  • The smartest entrepreneurs use tough times as a launchpad, not a setback.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Halterman recently had a setback with her health following a recent bout of COVID-19 earlier this year that landed her in the hospital for three days, requiring a heart monitor.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Tip #4: Double-check your figures Making a simple math mistake or switching the last two digits of your Social Security Number can cause big problems for the IRS.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
  • This loss of institutional support could leave borrowers with nowhere to turn when servicers make mistakes or when questions arise about complex repayment programs.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Houthis and their Iranian benefactors saved face by insisting that the reduction in the attacks was inspired by the temporary cessation of hostilities between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
    The Editors, National Review, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The group had accused Israel last week of violating the truce by cutting off humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where Israel then conducted a series of large-scale strikes late Monday despite the cessation of hostilities.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Accounts or sessions should automatically expire after their set duration.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • And flight credits for tickets purchased on or after May 28 will expire in one year, or earlier, depending on the type of fare purchased.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a major policy reversal, the SEC rescinded Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 — a controversial rule that required banks to treat crypto assets as liabilities on their balance sheets.
    MacKenzie Sigalos,Ari Levy, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In a significant policy reversal, which will come into effect on March 27, the SSA will resume withholding 100 percent of Social Security payments to reclaim any overpayments.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Except that is a simplification of what the original dialogue says, and a localization error with big consequences.
    Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This week, fans began to read into what was either a slip-up or an error on the Starfield Creations website that showed at least one mod, now deleted, as having a PS logo as well as Xbox and PC.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But his career came to a screeching halt later that year.
    Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
  • His term began with large-scale immigration raids, a halt to asylum processing for undocumented migrants, and executive orders aimed at expanding the authority of ICE to arrest and detain those in the country illegally.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Ukraine considers its hold on Kursk to be crucial to use as leverage in any negotiations to end the war.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Armed with what seemed to be their best opportunity to end a 34-year absence from the big dance, the No. 1 seed Tigers couldn’t keep up with No. 12 seed Delaware’s second-half outburst and fell, 82-72, in a Coastal Athletic Association Tournament semifinal Monday night at CareFirst Arena.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapse. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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