indiscretions
Lapses in judgment
Indiscretions are lapses in judgment or conduct, usually minor but embarrassing.
The word often softens what might otherwise be called mistakes or misconduct: youthful indiscretions, marital indiscretions.
An indiscretion may involve saying something better left unsaid, or a sexual affair that comes to light.
The term carries a whiff of euphemism—serious wrongdoing dressed in forgiving language.
Violation of law or code
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
- misstepError in action or judgment
- lapseBrief failure or expiration
- wrongdoingUnethical or illegal action
misbehavior · peccadillo · slip-up · blunder · imprudence · recklessness · carelessness · misjudgment
Unconfirmed circulating stories
- whispersSpeaks very quietly
- chatterLight, rapid speech
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- buzzContinuous low drone
talk · tittle-tattle · dirt · juicy · spreading · scandalmonger · backbiting · tales
Highly confidential matter
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- hiddenKept out of sight
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
furtive · veiled · unrevealed · buried · suppressed · confidential · private · skeletons
Romantic entanglement outside commitment
- exposeMake known publicly
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
- headlineNews article title
- sensationalArousing intense excitement
disgrace · shame · infamy · outrage · cover-up · revelation · leaked · whistleblower
transgression
Violation of law or code
- improprietyUnsuitable or inappropriate behavior
- misstepError in action or judgment
- lapseBrief failure or expiration
wrongdoing · misbehavior · peccadillo · slip-up · blunder · imprudence · recklessness · carelessness · misjudgment · folly
rumors
Unconfirmed circulating stories
buzz · talk · tittle-tattle · dirt · juicy · spreading · scandalmonger · backbiting · tales · secrets
hush-hush
Highly confidential matter
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- hiddenKept out of sight
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
covert · furtive · veiled · unrevealed · buried · suppressed · confidential · private · skeletons · closet
affair
Romantic entanglement outside commitment
sensational · disgrace · shame · infamy · outrage · cover-up · revelation · leaked · whistleblower · backlash
- flawsfaults, defect, flaw, blemish, flaws
- promiscuitypromiscuity, sleeping around, casual sex, hookups, one-night stands
indiscretionsdiscretions
Acts of careful judgment
discretion · good judgment · sound judgment · prudence · circumspection
indiscretionsproprieties
Accepted standards of behavior
decorum · moral rectitude · respectability · uprightness · good manners
- youthful indiscretionsUnwise acts of immaturity