1
as in mistake
a socially improper or unsuitable act or remark
you can expect to make some amusing gaffs until you get more familiar with the language
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blunder
an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy
double-check the new writer's grammar, as it's typically riddled with gaffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to trick
to cause to believe what is untrue
a sleazy schemer who gaffed gullible people into thinking they could get rich with a money-making opportunity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
the operators of the traveling carnival had gaffed patrons with a variety of time-honored ruses
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 gaff
Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 7 Aug. 2024
Dana Taylor: How can people determine the difference between just a normal gaff and when there's actually something wrong?
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024
Sunday's cartoons - airline safety, teleprompter gaffs, and more
Newsletter sign up
By The Week US
published April 28, 2024
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber.
—The Week Us, theweek, 28 Apr. 2024
Despite the gaff, Redmaye is still hoping to sneak his son and daughter into the August Wilson Theatre in New York City to see his opening number.
—Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for gaff
Noun
Some of the gear commonly used for technical climbing, like gaffs—steel spikes worn on the legs for added grip on the tree trunk when cutting branches—can also cause inadvertent damage to the tallest trees.
—Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 7 Aug. 2024
Dana Taylor: How can people determine the difference between just a normal gaff and when there's actually something wrong?
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024
Sunday's cartoons - airline safety, teleprompter gaffs, and more
Newsletter sign up
By The Week US
published April 28, 2024
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber.
—The Week Us, theweek, 28 Apr. 2024
Despite the gaff, Redmaye is still hoping to sneak his son and daughter into the August Wilson Theatre in New York City to see his opening number.
—Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for gaff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaff
Noun
-
The lawsuit also alleges that another member had made the same mistake a few weeks later with no punishment.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Squandering these opportunities would be a huge mistake for any business that wants to continually drive CX improvements.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors A compilation video featuring three of Wheel of Fortune's most brutal blunders from over the years has become a cringe-watch on social media, scoring more than 4 million views — and fans have been sharing their frustrations.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
-
The British broadcaster has formally apologized at least 12 times for meaningful editorial blunders since October 7, with eight of those apologies being made for output that could be considered anti-Israel or pro-Palestine in nature.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Phishing works by tricking the user, with no reliance on any particular operating system or browser.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Here are some alternative snacking options that can help trick your brain into feeling full.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In July 2022, Renay announced her split from NE-YO in a fiery Instagram caption that accused him of cheating.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Here are four deeper psychological factors behind why some people cheat—even in happy relationships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The pressure to manage heavy caseloads, navigate complex legal systems and meet client demands often leaves little room for error (or rest).—
Raquel Gomes,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
That's detected by the cerebellum, and its goal is to minimize that error signal.—
Tim Stevens,
Ars Technica,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Look for the producer, grape variety, region, and vintage, and don’t be fooled by flashy words.—
Emily Price,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Also, unlike its many imposters (and there are many similar looking wireless lamps out there, so don’t be fooled), the Poldina comes with a 1-year warranty on the battery and a 2-year warranty for any defects.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appétit,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Sea anemones provide anemonefish with shelter and a secure spawning site thanks to their stinging tentacles.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Choosing Slotkin—a moderate who won Michigan's Senate race in November even as Trump carried the state—to deliver the Democratic response may signal a party shift after last year's stinging losses in the general election.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
At the Tokyo premiere of Wicked on Feb. 19, Ariana Grande faced a slight sartorial gaffe.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Even when the incoming president was first indicted in New York in March 2023, an event that rallied Republican support around his candidacy after a series of gaffes and in a crowded field, more than two-thirds of voters surveyed in one poll believed the prosecution was politically motivated.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
15 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to gaff
Cite this Entry
“Gaff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaff. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share