Synonyms for

Err

Verb / er / / ɜ: / Another word for err — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Err means to make a mistake or to be incorrect.

Synonyms & similar words

stray drift slip mistake mistake blunder flub goof misstep botch miscalculate misread misinterpret misjudge misapprehend misidentify misconstrue misestimate mismanage overlook skew

Synonyms by register

Formal

deviate stray transgress misstep

Informal

mess up screw up blunder slip up go wrong

Literary

wander fall stumble

Antonyms

succeed triumph prevail correct right prosper be accurate

Common collocations

  • err on the side of caution
  • err greatly
  • err slightly
  • err in judgment
  • err from the path
  • err and stray
  • to err is human

Word family

noun error
adjective erroneous

Usage note

Often used in the phrase 'to err is human,' suggesting that making mistakes is a natural part of the human condition. It is more formal than 'make a mistake'.

Example sentences

  1. I err when I forget to do my homework.
  2. It's okay to err sometimes, everyone makes mistakes.
  3. I hope I don't err on my spelling test.
  4. It's important to learn from your erring.
  5. My mom always tells me to double-check my work so I don't err.

Quotes

  • To err is human, to forgive divine. - Alexander Pope
  • To err on the side of passion is human and right and the only way I'll live. - Pat Benatar
  • To err is to wander and wandering is the way we discover the world and lost in thought it is the also the way we discover ourselves. - Daniel J. Boorstin

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