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Showing results for faux pas. Search instead for fauxpas.
Definitions

faux pas

[foh pah] / foʊ ˈpɑ /
NOUN
social error
Synonyms
WEAK
blooper blunder blunder in etiquette boo-boo botch breach break bungle colossal blunder error flop flub foul-up gaffe gaucherie goof hash impropriety indecorum indiscretion mess mess-up misconduct misjudgment misstep mistake offense oversight slip social blunder solecism transgression

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When a nameless secretary drops a sheaf of papers, Kornev’s response to help is instinctive, yet we cringe at the careless faux pas he commits in this unfeeling society.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

She was quick to try to clean up her faux pas, claiming she had skipped over the section because her statement was running long, but no one believed it.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

The perplexed look on her face instantly confirmed the faux pas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Which is just as well, because earlier this month Sam made the ultimate relationship faux pas.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Sometimes, however, for no reason that science can yet explain, a perfectly ordinary faux pas is not forgotten at all.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood