faux pas

noun

ˈfō-ˌpä How to pronounce faux pas (audio)
Definition of faux pasnext
as in mistake
a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark according to an oft-told story, the queen set a guest at ease about a faux pas by politely imitating it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 faux pas Embarrassed by his unsanitary faux pas, Todd is left by himself on the couch while the grown-ups decamp to talk political strategy. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 Relying on a single overhead light fixture is another design habit that now reads as a faux pas. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026 Luckily, these decor faux pas can be avoided. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 7 June 2026 Here are six times Hannah and Paige ruthlessly roasted each other's fashion faux pas. — Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faux pas
  1. mistake
  2. blunder
  3. error
Noun
  • Our work shows that expressive cues appear to shift how people perceive a mistake out of the category of technical malfunction and into the category of social violation, like those that happen between people.
    — Yigit Topoglu, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
  • But according to rocket scientists at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), slamming a nuclear warhead directly into the side of a space rock is a rookie mistake.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • That doesn’t sound cheap, but thinking any premium means a fund is pricey is another first-level blunder.
    — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • In 2026, Mattel is doubling down and averting any PR blunders with a Holiday Barbie that, by all accounts, looks genuinely gorgeous.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
Definition of blunder
Noun
  • Stewart scored the go-ahead run from third on Brandon Lowe's fielding error.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The Royals’ defense didn’t help him out much, committing two critical errors.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of error

Browse Nearby Words

faux
faux pas
fave
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Cite this Entry

“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on faux pas

Nglish: Translation of faux pas for Spanish Speakers

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