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.

Which brings us to a faux pas in just about any workplace: Getting the boss’ attention for the wrong reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Mr. Kerrigan’s faux pas could have been worse: He could have told his daughter that she was “one in a million”—which, in this country, means there are 347 others just like her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

After Meredith makes a faux pas during a family dinner, asking Thad and Patrick marble-mouthed questions about the nature versus nurture debate, Sybil locks eyes with her son.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

I couldn’t have known it in the moment, but I was committing what would be deemed an epic faux pas.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

faux pas

Example Sentences

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