1
as in blunder
a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark
committed a huge gaffe when she started drinking from the finger bowl
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
so-called debates, which seemed to be mainly about seeing which candidate made the most gaffes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gaffe
After the game, Merrill shrugged off the gaffe as a one-off.
—
Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
And an apparent baserunning gaffe, in this instance by John Rave.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Shanahan acknowledged those gaffes, including his coverage on a third-down shallow cross, but otherwise praised Martin’s camp and learning opportunities that await.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2025
Austin Wells committed the worst base-running gaffe of the year, of which there are many for this club.
—Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gaffe
Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
And an apparent baserunning gaffe, in this instance by John Rave.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Shanahan acknowledged those gaffes, including his coverage on a third-down shallow cross, but otherwise praised Martin’s camp and learning opportunities that await.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2025
Austin Wells committed the worst base-running gaffe of the year, of which there are many for this club.
—Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gaffe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaffe
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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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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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
Noun
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Both their indiscretions seem to be a thing of the past, if King Charles’s actions are to be believed.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
31 Aug. 2025
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Many of Combs' former colleagues have spoken out about his personal and professional indiscretions since his arrest.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
28 July 2025
Noun
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Half an hour later Denio had worked the fish up from the bottom near their boat, where crew members sunk a large flying gaff into it.—
Bob McNally,
Outdoor Life,
4 Sep. 2025
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Crowe leaped from the boat with a fishing gaff and, after several fumbles, managed to flip the trembling, bloodied creature onto the bow deck.—
Nathaniel Rich,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gaffe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaffe. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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