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Synonyms

oops

American  
[oops, oops] / ʊps, ups /

interjection

  1. (used to express mild dismay, chagrin, surprise, etc., as at one's own mistake, a clumsy act, or social blunder.)

oops British  
/ ʊps, uːps /

interjection

  1. an exclamation of surprise or of apology as when someone drops something or makes a mistake

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of oops

First recorded in 1925–30; origin uncertain

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.

We have the majority deciding in advance: Oops, we think Texas is going to win in the end.

From Slate • Dec. 5, 2025

Oops, sorry, scratch that — Iqbal Theba and Brian George walk into a restaurant.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2025

Ms Spears said she was quickly called back to performing, signing a deal with Jive Records at age 15, later going on to release hits Baby One More Time and Oops!...

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2023

"Oops, when I waived the conflict there was something the lawyer failed to tell me."

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2023

Oops, I mean: staring dumbfounded at my sculpture.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.