Synonyms of faux pas

faux pas

noun

ˈfō-ˌpä 

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

• mistake
• blunder
• error
• indiscretion
• gaffe
• familiarity
• gaff
• solecism
• impropriety
• offense
• fumble
• miscue
• flub
• misstep
• goof
• slipup
• slip
• lapse
• misconception
• stumble
• incivility
• discourtesy
• howler
• misstatement
• muff
• oversight
• misunderstanding
• miscalculation
• boner
• misjudgment
• misapprehension
• foul-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attention
• gesture
• courtesy
• formality
• form
• civility
• manners
• amenity
• pleasantry
• mores
• proprieties

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of faux pas

Embarrassed by his unsanitary faux pas, Todd is left by himself on the couch while the grown-ups decamp to talk political strategy. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026

Relying on a single overhead light fixture is another design habit that now reads as a faux pas. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026

Luckily, these decor faux pas can be avoided. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 7 June 2026

Here are six times Hannah and Paige ruthlessly roasted each other's fashion faux pas. — Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026