Synonyms of gauche

gauche

adjective

ˈgōsh 

as in uncomfortable

lacking social grace and assurance

his loud talking at the opera marked him as gauche and uncultured

Synonyms & Similar Words

• uncomfortable
• awkward
• clumsy
• uneasy
• embarrassed
• inelegant
• ungraceful
• wooden
• timid
• rustic
• stilted
• graceless
• stiff
• rough-hewn
• upset
• nervous
• flustered
• uncouth
• boorish
• gawky
• angular
• ungainly
• meek
• clownish
• disturbed
• agitated
• lubberly
• unsettled
• abashed
• discomfited
• self-conscious
• bothered
• distressed
• diffident
• disconcerted
• perturbed
• modest
• mortified
• nonplussed
• unassuming
• insecure
• unassertive
• chagrined
• jumpy
• discomposed
• jittery
• discomforted
• unpretentious
• disquieted
• dismayed
• unhinged
• rattled
• discountenanced
• fazed
• self-doubting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• graceful
• urbane
• suave
• composed
• cool
• confident
• collected
• serene
• placid
• unperturbed
• poised
• calm
• secure
• undisturbed
• tranquil
• assured
• self-assured
• self-possessed
• self-confident

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

Recent Examples of gauche

In recent years, running seemed strictly prohibited, and playing anything resembling a real basketball game was considered gauche. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025

Lefties who study the French language soon learn that their handedness is gauche, clumsy in English and in French. — Megan Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2025

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

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