gaffe

noun

ˈgaf How to pronounce gaffe (audio)
Definition of gaffenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gaffe Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Some Wheel of Fortune gaffes are simply more cringe-worthy than others. — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 Read more Adrien Brody gives powerful Oscar speech after Best Actor win The worst Super Bowl ads of 2025 Hulu's Oscars gaffe, email error sparks anger During the ceremony, Oscars host Conan O'Brien poked fun at the Dune star's outfit color choice. — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 Twists and gaffes happening at the tail end of a race—for which this year’s voting round ended on Tuesday—are nothing new. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2025 And the Wildcats scored 19 points off of those errors, dwarfing the seven points the Terps converted from Northwestern’s 13 gaffes. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gaffe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaffe
  1. blunder
  2. mistake
  3. error
  4. indiscretion
  5. gaff
Noun
  • After coalescing with ultranationalists to establish the nation's furthest right government in late 2022, the former special forces commando who had already become Israel's longest serving premier largely deflected criticism over the intelligence blunder of October 7, 2023.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, the Trump White House and leading Republicans in Congress have tried mightily to put a positive spin on the colossal blunder, even as Democrats pounced on it.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of blunder
Noun
  • There is a huge difference between preparing with the obsession of not making mistakes and preparing with the desire to effectively convey a message.
    — Chiara Alzati, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Serious mistakes were made in that investigation, and agents were disciplined for botching applications to secretly obtain a surveillance warrant.
    — Adam Goldman, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • Baker expressed skepticism about the poll, questioning the reliability due to the small sample size and margin of error.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Unlike previous quantum attempts plagued by instability, Majorana 1 uses a new class of qubits resistant to errors, making scalable quantum computing a reality.
    — Sarah Choudhary, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of error
Noun
  • The world watched in utter shock as Tiger’s pristine image unraveled amid revelations of marital indiscretions.
    — Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The military’s strict code of conduct Hegseth’s indiscretions could impede his ability to lead by example, said the chief executive officer of the nation’s largest group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
    — Tara Copp, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Definition of indiscretion
Noun
  • Transport boxes, electronic scales and gaffs, sharp blades that can be attached to roosters' legs during fights, were found on the property, the news statement said.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Anglers need both an angling license and a recreational turtle license to harvest turtles using angling gear like hook and line, landing nets and gaff hooks.
    — Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Definition of gaff

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gaff
gaffe
gaffed
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Cite this Entry

“Gaffe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaffe. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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