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
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Recent Examples of faux pas
These faux pas can end up creating more work for the host, cause a little side-eye, or create awkward tension or frustration.
—
Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
Keep your neighbors happy by avoiding these front-yard faux pas that are definitely eyesores.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
But maybe still with a social faux pas with Megan Thee Stallion.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Yet at a large function, announcing your departure could actually be more of a faux pas.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
Keep your neighbors happy by avoiding these front-yard faux pas that are definitely eyesores.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
But maybe still with a social faux pas with Megan Thee Stallion.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Yet at a large function, announcing your departure could actually be more of a faux pas.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faux pas
Noun
-
Wrobleski made even fewer mistakes.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
In many games, her assists and offensive prowess create positives that can arguably offset her mistakes.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
The Phillies got some help in the eighth inning on a baserunning blunder by Fernando Tatis, on first base with two outs after his third hit of the game.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
-
Adell misplayed a flyball into a bizarre home run off his head Tuesday, a fielding blunder reminiscent of José Canseco's embarrassing gaffe 33 years ago with the Texas Rangers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Santos, whose political rise and fall was characterized by a notorious trail of lies and falsehoods, claimed my story was riddled with errors.—
Bobby Allyn,
NPR,
4 June 2026
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The other Philadelphia runs scored on a throwing error by San Diego reliever Yuki Matsui on a pickoff attempt and a fielder's choice by Brandon Marsh.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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