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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Recent Examples of faux pas
Lisa Richey, Founder of Manners to Go As a guest, the biggest Thanksgiving faux pas is steering the conversation toward politics.
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
In the movie, this theme is played out as Jimmy’s spirit grows more and more malevolent, showing that disrupting the natural order of life and death isn’t just a faux pas in the realm of witchcraft but a dangerous road that can never truly lead to happiness or closure.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024
Sending out a gift list unprompted, for example, could be a pearl-clutching faux pas.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024
What to Do Before an Estate Sale Familiarize Yourself with the Rules
Sometimes, a little research ahead of time can save you from an embarrassing—and likely unintentional—etiquette faux pas.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for faux pas 
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
In the movie, this theme is played out as Jimmy’s spirit grows more and more malevolent, showing that disrupting the natural order of life and death isn’t just a faux pas in the realm of witchcraft but a dangerous road that can never truly lead to happiness or closure.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024
Sending out a gift list unprompted, for example, could be a pearl-clutching faux pas.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024
What to Do Before an Estate Sale Familiarize Yourself with the Rules
Sometimes, a little research ahead of time can save you from an embarrassing—and likely unintentional—etiquette faux pas.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for faux pas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faux pas
Noun
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The AfD’s election manifesto for the upcoming federal election calls partial cannabis legalization a mistake that must be reversed.Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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Up to now, that has looked like a mistake, particularly given Eze, who was with Olise in his box, has struggled for form and, at times, fitness this season.Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Some economists say Fed officials could be making a blunder that risks reigniting inflation and undercutting their pledge to rely on the latest data when making rate decisions.Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
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Analysts said Ding made a crucial blunder in the deciding Game 14 that ultimately handed Gukesh the teen the title.Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The Bears, however, made several unforced errors that set their offense back.Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
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These principles are derived from industries with zero tolerance for accidents and errors, such as space exploration and commercial aviation.Caitlin Rivers, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near faux pas
Cite this Entry
“Faux pas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faux%20pas. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
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