as in mistake
a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark
according to an oft-told story, the queen set a guest at ease about a faux pas by politely imitating it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 faux pas
Thoughtless faux pas can tarnish a good relationship.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Hayes also said that the key to avoiding any outfit faux pas is from the couple.
—Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
To avoid making your space feel small, these are the design faux pas designers recommend avoiding.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2025
Gustavsson saved Chisholm’s faux pas, but Chris Kreider potted the rebound for an unassisted go-ahead goal.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Usa Today, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Hayes also said that the key to avoiding any outfit faux pas is from the couple.
—Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
To avoid making your space feel small, these are the design faux pas designers recommend avoiding.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2025
Gustavsson saved Chisholm’s faux pas, but Chris Kreider potted the rebound for an unassisted go-ahead goal.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faux pas
Noun
-
Choosing smoothies low in protein and fiber, adding sugary ingredients to your smoothie, and using low-calorie smoothies as meal replacements are just some of the smoothie mistakes that could be sabotaging your weight loss efforts.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
3 June 2025
-
The teenager from India, under pressure throughout much of the game, capitalized on a rare mistake from the Norwegian veteran to seize victory.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Viewers speculated whether this was a blunder, power play or something else.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
27 May 2025
-
Many of the nation’s biggest military blunders occurred because there wasn’t enough diversity in the armed forces.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
The government has admitted in court that his deportation was an administrative error.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
7 June 2025
-
In 2018, a study by MIT Media Lab revealed that commercial AI systems had error rates of up to 34% for darker-skinned women, compared to just 1% for lighter-skinned men.—
Jessica Smith,
Time,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share