Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for mistake.
Definitions

mistake

[mi-steyk] / mɪˈsteɪk /
NOUN
error, misunderstanding
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aberration blunder confusion fault gaffe inaccuracy lapse miscalculation misconception misstep omission oversight snafu
STRONG
blooper boo-boo bungle delusion erratum flub fluff illusion inadvertence misapplication misapprehension misinterpretation misprint misstatement muddle neglect overestimation slight slip solecism trip underestimation
WEAK
false move false step faux pas misjudgment slip of tongue slipup typographical error
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accuracy correction correctness perfection remembrance soundness success
STRONG
certainty fact reality respect truth
WEAK
calculation proof understanding
VERB
mix up, misunderstand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confuse miscalculate misconstrue misinterpret misjudge misread overestimate overlook underestimate
STRONG
addle blunder botch bungle confound err fail goof jumble lapse misapprehend misconceive miscount miss omit slip snarl tangle
WEAK
be off the mark be wrong deceive oneself get wrong have wrong impression make a mess misdeem misknow miss the boat not know put foot in slip up take for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
understand
STRONG
accomplish achieve clear up correct do well fix succeed uncomplicate
WEAK
be certain be sure comprehend interpret perceive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The minister told me a leadership contest now would be a mistake, adding "he is the most astonishing adaptor and survivor".

From BBC • May 9, 2026

That will prove a costly and tragic mistake.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The meaning I glean from your words is this: It’s not so much that you yearn for him romantically and fear you made a mistake simply because your life is empty without him.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

He confessed to the mistake that cost him $500 million, and gave the secrets of building billion-dollar businesses that last.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Did I make a mistake with Mom and that’s why she didn’t come home?

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Vocabulary lists containing mistake

"The Experiment" and "Superstition"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Indian Summer Sun" and "Almost Evenly Divided"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!