Synonyms for "lose"

7 kid-friendly synonyms for lose, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "lose" mean?

The word lose is a verb that means: to not win a game, or to no longer have something.

Example: "Don't lose your hat."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for lose

Younger kids can use these in place of "lose":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for lose

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for lose

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of lose (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of lose:

See the full lose antonyms page →

FAQ — synonyms for lose

What is a good synonym for lose in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try miss. For older students, "misplace" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does lose have?
We list 7 grade-appropriate synonyms for lose across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is lose a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, lose is used as a verb.

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