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

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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 Once considered a touristy fashion faux pas, belt bags have undergone a complete rebrand, becoming a practical, stylish accessory for travelers in the know. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026 There was once a time when a visible slip was considered a mortifying fashion faux pas. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for faux pas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faux pas
  1. mistake
  2. blunder
  3. error
Noun
  • Dimensions | Getty Millions of people roll money from a workplace retirement plan to an individual retirement account each year — and mistakes can prove both costly and irreversible.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
  • To see how this works in practice, consider how Gemma might approach hiring Richard’s replacement to avoid repeating the same mistake.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • That’s 38 more opportunities for horrific pitching, lifeless hitting and mental blunders galore.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Guerrero looked to capitalize on the blunder and took off for third base.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of blunder
Noun
  • Smith allowed Boston to load the bases when Ceddanne Rafaela lined a single over a leaping Willy Adames, leaving him with no margin for error against the heart of Boston’s lineup.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Missouri Supreme Court overturned the verdict a year later, however, citing errors by the judge and concluding that the prosecution never proved a murder had even been committed.
    — Dan Kelly August 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of error

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Cite this Entry

“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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