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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of faux pas
Michael Scott was such a massive personality, so over-the-top and socially awkward and vain, that much of the story revolved around his myriad social faux pas and unforced errors.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
However, amid her fashion faux pas, Cabello's had some serious style wins over the years.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Many of us grew up under the impression that committing this fashion faux pas could end in arrest by the fashion police!
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025
More Michael Reaves/Getty Images Many have zeroed in on the Cubs' failure to add a starter (beyond Mike Soroka, who instantly went on the injured list) as their biggest faux pas.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
However, amid her fashion faux pas, Cabello's had some serious style wins over the years.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Many of us grew up under the impression that committing this fashion faux pas could end in arrest by the fashion police!
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025
More Michael Reaves/Getty Images Many have zeroed in on the Cubs' failure to add a starter (beyond Mike Soroka, who instantly went on the injured list) as their biggest faux pas.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faux pas
Noun
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The 49ers also made a big mistake in fielding just 10 players on the very play on which Warner was injured.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
14 Oct. 2025
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Conservative activists have spent the past forty-six years arguing that this was a terrible mistake.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Despite that big blunder, McMillan bounced back with his first career touchdown on the next series.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
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Against Brent Venables’ otherwise elite defense, Arch Manning had a nicely tidy day, completing 21 of 27 passes with no major blunders and 200 total yards.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There aren’t any obvious errors that can be laid at Darlow’s door over the past four matches.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Sponsors assume no responsibility for any error, omissions, interruption, deletion, defect or delay in operation with transmission, communications, line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or allegation of submissions.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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