1
as in blunder
a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark
committed a huge gaffe when she started drinking from the finger bowl
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2
as in mistake
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
so-called debates, which seemed to be mainly about seeing which candidate made the most gaffes
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Recent Examples of gaffe
At this late stage of the campaign, both candidates need to avoid any gaffes that could be used against them.
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Their defense kept their gaffes from ruining their night.
—Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
And while Monday’s gaffe happened in a lower-stakes regular season-game, the loss still further worsened the Cowboys’ playoff odds.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Dec. 2024
Other entries on the list reflect a mix of political gaffes, conspiracy theories and social commentary.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gaffe 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Their defense kept their gaffes from ruining their night.
—Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
And while Monday’s gaffe happened in a lower-stakes regular season-game, the loss still further worsened the Cowboys’ playoff odds.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Dec. 2024
Other entries on the list reflect a mix of political gaffes, conspiracy theories and social commentary.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gaffe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaffe
Noun
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The blunder occurred during the triple toss-up round on Thursday, January 16.Aaron Rasmussen, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
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Scientists have long known that DNA-copying systems make the occasional blunder—that’s how cancers often start—but only in recent years has technology been sensitive enough to catalog every genetic booboo.Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Then there were lesson plans, radon measurements, lead tests, plumbing and fire safety checks, and blueprints, each done according to very specific requirements where any mistakes would set them back months more.ProPublica, ProPublica, 10 Jan. 2025
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Janice Hahn, a Los Angeles County supervisor, said on X that the alert was a mistake.Janhvi Bhojwani, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communication line failure, theft, or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of the Media.USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
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There’s very little room for error if growth does not accelerate in the coming years.Trefis Team, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Hegseth, however, has the support of some veterans’ groups that say his past indiscretions are not as important as getting in the job someone who will focus on improving military readiness to fight.Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
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The caveat is that yours are coming out to play today and other people are able to sweep their indiscretions under the rug.Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Some of the gear commonly used for technical climbing, like gaffs—steel spikes worn on the legs for added grip on the tree trunk when cutting branches—can also cause inadvertent damage to the tallest trees.Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 7 Aug. 2024
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Dana Taylor: How can people determine the difference between just a normal gaff and when there's actually something wrong?Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near gaffe
Cite this Entry
“Gaffe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaffe. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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