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
  • Still, the atmosphere was uncomfortable enough that Habermas left the institute a year later, to write his Habilitation, or second dissertation, a requirement for qualifying as a professor in German universities.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • Don’t suffer through summer in uncomfortable shoes.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • The awkward situation that Thiago is talking about involves receiving the ball with his back to a player who is closing him down at speed from behind.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Almost nine years after their awkward handshake at the 2017 Bastille Day military parade, the two men politely shook hands and expressed their affinity for each other.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • This layout makes the monitor a natural fit for high-traffic environments like banking counters, medical reception desks, and service queues where traditional screen-sharing is often clumsy or compromises privacy.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 June 2026
  • The clumsy third inning from the defense didn’t help Tong, who threw 27 pitches in the frame.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • These memories of his brief, sad human life are uneasy dreams that Lestat wakes from on his tour bus as the sun sets over the road to Toledo.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 15 June 2026
  • On top of the tense, uneasy dynamic created by the duo’s pairing, the series is wrapped in a twisty web of peripheral problems.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Jay practically embarrassed Mase, then a pop rapper at Bad Boy Records, not by screaming but by sounding amused.
    Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2026
  • One partner gets a little embarrassed, but the other lightens the mood and keeps encouraging them.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gauche.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gauche. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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