1
as in blunders
a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark
you can expect to make some amusing gaffs until you get more familiar with the language
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mistakes
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
double-check the new writer's grammar, as it's typically riddled with gaffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in tricks
to cause to believe what is untrue
a sleazy schemer who gaffed gullible people into thinking they could get rich with a money-making opportunity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stings
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
the operators of the traveling carnival had gaffed patrons with a variety of time-honored ruses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaffs
Noun
-
Both André Onana and Altay Bayındır have been used in the three games this season and both have made blunders that have led to conceded goals.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
28 Aug. 2025 -
However, this team often gives opponents an extra out or two by not making the plays it should, throwing to the wrong base or making base-running blunders.—
Jim Bowden,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Until then, don’t make these three common pruning mistakes.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The Chiefs piled up uncharacteristic mistakes, which began early when Kelce was moved off his route and collided with Worthy, causing Worthy to leave the game with a right shoulder injury.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The interference has included both jamming—overpowering communications with strong radio signals—and spoofing, which tricks receivers into misreading their location or even the time.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Although they are born fairly helpless, infants have a few survival tricks up their swaddles.—
Elissa Strauss,
The Atlantic,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The first mozzie of the evening stings my arm.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
-
But this kind of comment often stings.—
Time,
Time,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Other discipline errors snowballed after that.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Alcaraz finished with 30 unforced errors, the same total as his opponent.—
Howard Fendrich,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In its 10-episode first season, the show could use a little more heart and soul behind its high jinks and gaffes.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals, the Mets didn’t blow any leads, there were no defensive gaffes and the lineup made life tough on right-hander Brad Lord.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
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
Verb
-
There may be even greater reasons to put an ad that plucks the heartstrings in front of a broader crowd.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Gaffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaffs. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share