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
  • Starmer fired Mandelson in September after a tranche of emails revealed uncomfortable details about his ties to Epstein.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Also, some users reported that rocks, mud and other softer substances get caught in the holes of the sole, making walking uncomfortable.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The image became a meme, repeatedly used to portray Miliband as awkward.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The communication was straightforward and a bit awkward, sadly missing the mentions of Nancy Guthrie’s humanity that had peppered the family’s first video.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Isabel, sitting in a driving-range stall, is nearly hit with a ball when a clumsy golfer clangs it off a metal railing.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The results are often enervating though sometimes clumsy.
    Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Stage’s version translates the already uneasy feelings of hearing acid house reduced to happy-go-lucky plastic into something out of an actual acid trip.
    Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Bashar is on the left, his body slightly angled away, his face uneasy.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Bugatti appears slightly embarrassed by this flourish and has been quick to point out that it was added at the customer’s request.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Harry was both ‘excited’ and ‘embarrassed’ to bring Meghan there.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gauche.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gauche. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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