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
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
The bride allegedly committed the fashion faux pas of not wearing a gown designed by her famous mother in law.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025
Missing your flight is the ultimate travel faux pas this summer.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 21 July 2025
The only thing not regal about Gill here was his decision to wear black socks while batting, a fashion faux pas in Test cricket if ever there was one.
—Paul Newman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
The bride allegedly committed the fashion faux pas of not wearing a gown designed by her famous mother in law.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025
Missing your flight is the ultimate travel faux pas this summer.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 21 July 2025
The only thing not regal about Gill here was his decision to wear black socks while batting, a fashion faux pas in Test cricket if ever there was one.
—Paul Newman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faux pas
Noun
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My experience has been that my mistakes led to the best things in my life.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
14 Aug. 2025
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Austin Jackson told reporters last month that the players were behind the decision to run laps after committing penalties or mental mistakes in practice.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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When the event is abruptly cancelled due to a booking blunder, the four seize the chance to brainstorm a sequel, retreating to the film’s original locations for inspiration.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
29 Aug. 2025
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Some staff reportedly asked whether the messages were a mistake, underscoring the confusion and distress caused by the blunder.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Due to an editing error, a prior version of this report misstated what match Djokovic is playing Friday.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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Sabalenka ended the match with 43 winners compared to 27 errors; Pegula was 21 for 15.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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