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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of faux pas
Keep your neighbors happy by avoiding these front-yard faux pas that are definitely eyesores.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 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
The fashion moment, considered by some to be a major faux pas, came amid fierce criticism of the first Trump administration's approach to immigration in America.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
At this point, failing to wear a mask when engaging in lawless activity is a major faux pas.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 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
The fashion moment, considered by some to be a major faux pas, came amid fierce criticism of the first Trump administration's approach to immigration in America.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
At this point, failing to wear a mask when engaging in lawless activity is a major faux pas.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faux pas
Noun
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What’s the most common mistake people make when trying to recreate the Honey Deuce at home?—
Emily Cappiello,
Forbes.com,
15 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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Target’s brief foray into Canada is still considered one of the biggest foreign blunders by a major US retailer.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
20 Aug. 2025
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This instance, and several other AI blunders, have led to companies such as McDonald's and Klarna rolling back on AI policies.—
Gary Drenik,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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When applied across a $500 million capital investment in net new builds—where UPS systems might account for only a small portion—the effect is at less than 1%, effectively a rounding error in the overall budget.—
Ryan Mallory,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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Christian Kuntz for making a bunch of errors at the hot corner.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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