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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gaffs
Timia Cobb,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Apr. 2026
Cockfighting draws scrutiny, too, with homes searched for steroids or gaffs — the sharp blades that get strapped to a fighting rooster’s feet.
—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Dec. 2025
Noun
Spurs on some of the chickens were cut excessively short to fit steel fighting gaffs and blades for more lethal fighting, deputies said.
—
Timia Cobb,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Apr. 2026
Cockfighting draws scrutiny, too, with homes searched for steroids or gaffs — the sharp blades that get strapped to a fighting rooster’s feet.
—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaffs
Noun
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Colorado's rally offset a pair of baserunning blunders that ended the eighth.
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Once again, Towns, who hadn’t gotten into foul trouble in what felt like a basketball eternity, pulled off a series of blunders, picking up two fouls in the game’s opening 62 seconds.
Noun
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The team's mistakes cost the players early on when Germany scored in the 2nd minute to earn the lead.
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Sure, a lot of the mistakes or poor moments in defense can be waved away by recognizing that most of the team’s best defenders were sitting on the bench when the Turks wheeled away in delight with Ayhan’s goal.
Verb
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Removing fading flowers and their seed pods tricks the plant to redirect its energy from producing seeds to producing more scapes and flower buds, as well as putting energy into root development and storing energy for the next growing season.
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Well, at least Cindy's been fighting the good fight, which Brenda tricks her into waging alone every time.
Verb
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Considering Dylan Holloway was that pick, and the Oilers haven’t found much in any round of all the drafts since, the irony stings for fans of the team.
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If feedback stings, breathe, then ask one clarifying question so everyone understands your intent.
Noun
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Or all the times Republicans went after former President Joe Biden’s gaffes?
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Canseco's misplay – one of the most infamous gaffes in sports history – similarly resulted in a home run for the other team.
Noun
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Many on social media have posted compilation videos of Dean's errors.
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When the Mets got swept this week by the Cubs, making six errors in one of those games along the way, their record was 72-102.
Verb
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Runway, Pika, and a dozen others can produce footage that fools the eye on first watch.
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What fools these non-OpenAI mortals must be.
Verb
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Though Lesnar rarely cheats to win, Femi isn’t going to lose clean.
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Five average players committed to protecting the middle of the ice are more effective than four great ones and one who cheats for offence.
Cite this Entry
“Gaffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaffs. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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