solecism

noun

ˈsä-lə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce solecism (audio)
Definition of solecismnext
as in blunder
a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark the solecism of asking one's hosts how much something in their house cost them

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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 solecism The result is global English but one without the imprecision and solecism implied by that label. — Colin Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2022 And a single word couldn’t be a dead giveaway either, no matter how much people would like to portray the use of pled rather than pleaded as an obvious Trumpian solecism, especially when Dowd himself has been documented using pled at least once. — Ben Zimmer, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solecism
  1. blunder
  2. mistake
  3. indiscretion
  4. error
  5. gaffe
Noun
  • Boutique seasonal brand, made it to market, suggesting the blunder might be related to a need for more executives and other workers connected with and sensitive to needs and concerns of Black consumers.
    — Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2026
  • From a 2026 lens, extending Braun while kicking Watson’s can down the road looks like an epic blunder that could cost the Nuggets another title in the Joker’s prime.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of blunder
Noun
  • The mistakes that sink applications Loan files in this category rarely die because the borrower earns too little.
    — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Innovation Is Not One Game Organizations also make the mistake of treating innovation as a single activity.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • This tender novel of intimacy and its risks begins in Boston in 1969, as Eve, a dancer, commences an affair with a colleague—an indiscretion that spurs her husband, a journalist named Gabe, to cheat, too.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Remind him of his indiscretions and ask him to give you the respect to stay away for a while.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of indiscretion
Noun
  • After a stellar start with just one error in 14 games, Lombard has now committed an error in six consecutive games.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Dylan Beavers drove in Mayo with a two-out single and Taveras scored on a fielding error by Lopez for a 2-0 lead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of error
Noun
  • Espada’s sixth-inning gaffe did not have an enormous impact on the outcome.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There had been an embarrassing episode in Scotland, again on a golf course, in which Harp had made the gaffe of being overly clingy.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of gaffe

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Cite this Entry

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

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