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
  • And this is where things get uncomfortable for the top seed.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Wilson has claimed that MacInnes told her that the incident made the young actress uncomfortable.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Big Bang Theory followed a group of socially awkward scientist friends navigating work, friendship and relationships, with Parsons portraying Sheldon Cooper, a brilliant but eccentric physicist known for his rigid routines, lack of social awareness and sharp intellect.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Which leaves marijuana in an awkward middle ground as a substance that’s too normalized to generate inherent conflict, and too mild to drive high-stakes drama.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even young Oklahoma City required a clumsy postseason audition.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The driver and his accomplice then mounted a clumsy getaway that resulted in their scooter crashing about three blocks from the scene, cops said.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This kind of bare-knuckle politics might explain why so many other GOP leaders are uneasy.
    The Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The entire record is a Trojan horse—a clear vision of white womanhood that hides a whole lot of churning, uneasy feelings.
    Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Fearful and self-preserving silence, nervous and embarrassed avoidance, and even willful erasure kept stories like these in the dark.
    Chad S.A. Gibbs, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Brian Hecker, as the would-be beau, has little to do other than proffer an embarrassed smile.
    Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gauche.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gauche. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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