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Definition of faultnext
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as in responsibility
the state of being held as the cause of something that needs to be set right the investigator determined that the auto accident was entirely the other driver's fault

Synonyms & Similar Words

fault

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fault differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fault are failing, foible, frailty, and vice. While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

a writer of many virtues and few faults

When could failing be used to replace fault?

The words failing and fault can be used in similar contexts, but failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

When might foible be a better fit than fault?

Although the words foible and fault have much in common, foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

In what contexts can frailty take the place of fault?

While the synonyms frailty and fault are close in meaning, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

When is it sensible to use vice instead of fault?

The synonyms vice and fault are sometimes interchangeable, but vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

compulsive gambling was his vice

How does the noun fault differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fault are failing, foible, frailty, and vice. While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

a writer of many virtues and few faults

When could failing be used to replace fault?

The words failing and fault can be used in similar contexts, but failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

When might foible be a better fit than fault?

Although the words foible and fault have much in common, foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

In what contexts can frailty take the place of fault?

While the synonyms frailty and fault are close in meaning, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

When is it sensible to use vice instead of fault?

The synonyms vice and fault are sometimes interchangeable, but vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

compulsive gambling was his vice

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 fault
Noun
The settlement did not include an admission of fault. Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026 The Department of Investigation in an April 2024 report found fault with how the NYPD, the Department of Transportation and Department of Education issues and revokes parking permits. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
In the political aftermath, former and current leadership seized on the incident to fault Mamdani’s leadership, saying the mayor’s earlier criticisms of the NYPD had fostered a climate of disrespect for law enforcement. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Feb. 2026 Mayweather's intricate suit appears to fault the network for not protecting the boxer from the business practices of his longtime financial advisor, Al Haymon. ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fault
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fault
Noun
  • The president's endorsement didn't clear the GOP crowded field to replace Greene — some observers cast that as a sign of weakness — but Fuller easily overcame other Republican contenders.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Some policy defenders contend that the labor market weakness reflects adjustments to immigration restrictions rather than fundamental economic failure, positioning this as a deliberate policy choice rather than an economic failure.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The back line — still reeling from the departure of center back Adilson Malanda this offseason — shored up its mistakes and stood tall.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The third mistake involves process.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Four young men were accused of the killings, but more than 30 years later, DNA and ballistic evidence laid the blame squarely on the late Robert Eugene Brashers.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Trump’s executive order lays the blame for the stagnation of nuclear power at the NRC’s feet.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Ford estimates that all of these vehicles have the defects.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • My companion must be of the same species, and have the same defects.
    Rory Doherty, Time, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • With tariffs, war abroad and slowing growth at home, China's tech companies bear a growing national responsibility.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • His proposal would also shift some responsibilities like eligibility verification away from counties, which currently do most of the work of administering social services programs in Minnesota.
    Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • An ardent supporter of military action against Iran, Graham criticized Israel in a social media post on Sunday regarding the strikes on the oil facilities.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Instead, federal health officials criticized Democrats broadly, arguing that blue states are participating in fraud and mismanagement of federal funds in public health programs.
    Angela Hart, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Reporters here and across the nation routinely request public records to illuminate systemic failings, abuse and corruption across all levels of government.
    Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The narrators have soft spots for various failings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the Oakland days, there was less margin for error.
    Evan Drellich, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • For seasoned pickleball players, finding the best paddle for competitive play may require a series of trial-and-error attempts, but a little education about paddle types can also go a long way.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fault.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fault. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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