GAFFES Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

gaffes

noun

plural of gaffe

as in blunders

a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark committed a huge gaffe when she started drinking from the finger bowl

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as in mistakes

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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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 gaffes The April vote followed drops in polling for National, while this week’s followed recent public remarks Luxon had made on various issues that some in his party saw as gaffes. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 Hilton, 48, made a name in the early 2000s publicizing and sometimes belittling celebrities who made public gaffes or otherwise found themselves in trouble with the law. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026 After a positive first half, the Current was done in by a series of second-half gaffes — three critical moments without the ball. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026 Or all the times Republicans went after former President Joe Biden’s gaffes? — S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026 Canseco's misplay – one of the most infamous gaffes in sports history – similarly resulted in a home run for the other team. — Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 It was so well presented with countless references to viral moments and gaffes. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 There were glitches and gaffes aplenty. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 No major gaffes to leave any of the contestants sprawled on the killing floor. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaffes

Noun

That’s 38 more opportunities for horrific pitching, lifeless hitting and mental blunders galore.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
But the motivations for the murders were an unplanned series of blunders designed to correct mistakes that were made.

— Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of blunders

Noun

The Tar Heels’ ability to overcome some sloppiness — and, yes, take advantage of a slew of TCU mistakes — was a positive intangible sign after Belichick’s brutal debut season and offseason.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Notice that this entire process still leans on AI to catch AI's mistakes.

— Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of mistakes

Noun

Djokovic made 70 unforced errors in a painful performance that ended mere minutes before midnight.

— Stephen Whyno, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Correct any errors, resolve outstanding issues where possible and make sure the information lenders see is up to date — such as the incorporation date, state of registration, number of employees and annual sales.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of errors

Noun

The lower spars and booms are Oregon Pine, while the upper masts, gaffs, jackyards, and spinnaker boom are Alaskan Sitka Spruce.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026
Spurs on some of the chickens were cut excessively short to fit steel fighting gaffs and blades for more lethal fighting, deputies said.

— Timia Cobb, Dallas Morning News, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of gaffs

Noun

Former Washington owner Dan Snyder was fined $60 million and ultimately forced to sell the team after multiple investigations found widespread workplace misconduct and a referral to the Federal Trade Commission alleged financial improprieties.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Summary Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter faces a federal investigation into potential financial improprieties within his extensive business empire, including insurance firms and Guggenheim Partners.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of improprieties

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gaffers

gaffes

gaffing

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“Gaffes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaffes. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of gaffes

noun

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