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

The acquaintance who posted to Facebook committed a serious social media faux pas. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2026

Her Spa Weekend costars also shared some of their romantic faux pas. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026

While this common jewelry mistake likely won’t lead to any major damage, it’s considered a bit of a fashion faux pas and could lead to the loss of a favorite piece. — Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026

For most guys, turning up poolside in the same trunks as someone else isn’t that big of a deal—certainly not a faux pas on the same level as, say, the lady in your life’s arriving on the red carpet in the same gown as another woman. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026