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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Steelers, Saints, Cardinals Sam Darnold was nearly perfect (28-of-34 passing for 341 yards and four touchdowns), but his one mistake was a costly interception late that set up the Bucs’ winning field goal.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Mahomes methodically pushed the offense to Jacksonville’s goal line before making what was a game-changing mistake.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Base running blunder The Tigers had a great chance to put together a big inning in the second, after Trey Sweeney hit a sacrifice fly, knocking in a run.—
Ryan Ford,
Freep.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
That blunder came one series after Slayton had a brutal drop on a 50-yard bomb from Dart that would have put the ball inside the Saints’ 20-yard line.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The cause of the labeling error is reportedly under investigation.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
9 Oct. 2025
-
His error on Andrés Giménez’s one-out grounder in the seventh inning with a runner on first base was a major blow.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share