Definition of gauchenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gauche contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gauche are awkward, clumsy, inept, and maladroit. While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding.

felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

When is it sensible to use awkward instead of gauche?

The words awkward and gauche can be used in similar contexts, but awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact.

periods of awkward silence

Where would clumsy be a reasonable alternative to gauche?

The synonyms clumsy and gauche are sometimes interchangeable, but clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill.

a clumsy mechanic

When would inept be a good substitute for gauche?

While in some cases nearly identical to gauche, inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy.

a hopelessly inept defense attorney

In what contexts can maladroit take the place of gauche?

The words maladroit and gauche are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations.

a maladroit politician

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 gauche Big engagement rings are gauche! Fran Tirado, Them, 20 Dec. 2024 For a scene at the iconically gauche-glam nightclub and restaurant Tatiana — where the surf and turf will run you $99 — only five crew members went inside. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024 The reason is very simple—the Noto palazzo was very gauche and fit for the party later in the season, to be thrown by Hollander’s character. Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Dec. 2022 That would be too gauche, too legislative for the court. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 19 May 2022 See All Example Sentences for gauche
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gauche
Adjective
  • Last year, as Zohran Mamdani gained steam in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary, Jeffries found himself in an increasingly uncomfortable position.
    Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The uncomfortable truth is that in most organizations, nobody has a clear answer.
    Shiv Kaushik, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • After her death, Riley read her diaries, an awkward experience at times.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • On-screen, Armitage’s portrayal of the socially awkward Sheldon has earned him critical acclaim.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • But less fine is Kreutzer’s decision to make Kühn’s own domestic challenges a parallel story, set up in clumsy counterpoint with Lucy’s.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2026
  • Salmonflies, however, are bigger and clumsier than smaller insects like mayflies.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Nowhere is this truer than in Russia, a nation marked by a long history of political repression alongside extraordinary literary brilliance, a rare and uneasy combination.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Two women form an uneasy alliance to stop the killer — but their own motives end up playing a role in what happens next.
    Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • The 15-time European Cup winners have been embarrassed in recent weeks by series of unseemly events.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 May 2026
  • Ashamed and embarrassed, Hepburn became depressed, her penthouse turning into a kind of prison.
    Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gauche.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gauche. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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