1
as in blunder
a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark
you can expect to make some amusing gaffs until you get more familiar with the language
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
double-check the new writer's grammar, as it's typically riddled with gaffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to trick
to cause to believe what is untrue
a sleazy schemer who gaffed gullible people into thinking they could get rich with a money-making opportunity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
the operators of the traveling carnival had gaffed patrons with a variety of time-honored ruses
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gaff
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
14 Jan. 2026
Cockfighting draws scrutiny, too, with homes searched for steroids or gaffs — the sharp blades that get strapped to a fighting rooster’s feet.
—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Dec. 2025
Our crew were the boat’s recently wed co-owners, Watson and Stella Marina, experienced sailors who bought the 1938 Danish gaff cutter in 2020 and now run trips out of Cornwall and the west coast of Scotland from April to September.
—
Alexander Barlow,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Sep. 2025
Crowe leaped from the boat with a fishing gaff and, after several fumbles, managed to flip the trembling, bloodied creature onto the bow deck.
—
Nathaniel Rich,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gaff
Noun
Finally, when the huge tuna rolled belly-up on the surface, Flory stuck it cleanly with a hand gaff and got a rope around its tail.
—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
14 Jan. 2026
Cockfighting draws scrutiny, too, with homes searched for steroids or gaffs — the sharp blades that get strapped to a fighting rooster’s feet.
—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Dec. 2025
Our crew were the boat’s recently wed co-owners, Watson and Stella Marina, experienced sailors who bought the 1938 Danish gaff cutter in 2020 and now run trips out of Cornwall and the west coast of Scotland from April to September.
—
Alexander Barlow,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Sep. 2025
Crowe leaped from the boat with a fishing gaff and, after several fumbles, managed to flip the trembling, bloodied creature onto the bow deck.
—
Nathaniel Rich,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gaff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaff
Noun
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Sometimes this was committed to good, such as the Marshall Plan and the Peace Corps, and sometimes to ill, as in a series of military blunders meant to quash godless Communism.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also fallen foul of Germany’s World Cup elimination by Paraguay, after stumbling into a social media debacle following a communications blunder.
Noun
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That ended his day after five innings of one-run ball, with just one mistake — a slider that Manny Machado clobbered for a solo homer — against him.
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Will this turn into a tragic mistake Daemon soon regrets?
Verb
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These fraudulent sites often mimic legitimate stores or rank high in search results, tricking desperate consumers into buying non-existent AC units.
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The revenge story saw Tucker's exes convincing Snow's Kate to trick the ladies' man into falling in love with her.
Verb
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The American grandmaster shed some light on his mindset following Kramnik’s cheating accusations in a livestream prior to his death, according to the Associated Press.
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Trump has also continued to claim Democrats are trying to rig or cheat in the upcoming election, remarks that have faced rebukes from members of his own party.
Noun
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The gaffe allowed Rays catcher Hunter Feduccia to reach third with an RBI triple.
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The gaffe led to widespread speculation that Alito was preparing to retire, and that NPR's Nina Totenberg, who has covered the Supreme Court since the 1970s, jumped the gun by publishing too soon a story she had been tipped off about.
Noun
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Third baseman Ryan McMahon also committed a throwing error, New York's 19th in its last 14 games.
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England is hoping karma is on its side after a famous goal-scoring error sealed a World Cup loss to Argentina 40 years ago at Azteca Stadium.
Verb
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Don’t be fooled by their jaw-dropping price; the flats boast a luxe look thanks to their low profile and—of course—glove silhouette.
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The fluffy blooms on mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) look pretty in pink, but don’t be fooled by their dainty appearance.
Verb
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Significant stinging insect infestations like wasps and carpenter bees may also require a specialized plan that isn’t included in your general pest control service.
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Democrats are still stung by Rogan’s nearly three-hour Trump interview in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign.
Cite this Entry
“Gaff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaff. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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