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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

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
Not all Mitchell’s fault as the buck stops with Eales who gets given slack for his health problems. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 June 2025 Another person thought everyone was at fault in the situation. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
Cuomo was widely faulted at the time for contributing to the political downfall of Paterson, the state’s first Black governor, who ultimately never faced charges for the alleged wrongdoing. Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025 In her dissent, Sotomayor faulted the court for turning a blind eye to injustice. David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fault
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fault
Noun
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in my responses and give me tips for responding with a problem-solving, curious mindset next time.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The currency pair is expected to swing both ways as the Taiwan dollar gets caught between speculation of central bank intervention and weakness in the greenback, Lim added.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • My family has a history of a lot of the same mistakes, especially among the men.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025
  • Jumping onto Andrew Cuomo’s leaky ship was a devastating mistake for the pro-Israel movement.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Don’t look to nobody else or point blame at somebody else because you ain’t reached or tapped into your blessings yet.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 7 July 2025
  • The balance of the blame fell on the college, according to the judge.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Also last year, Stellantis has recalled thousands of Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 cars because of a manufacturing defect that could cause airbags to rupture unexpectedly, resulting in metal fragments flying out, potentially killing passengers.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 June 2025
  • General Motors has recalled more than 62,000 vehicles because of a potential brake defect that could increase the risk of fire, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Thursday.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • For the generation currently between 13 and 28 years old, better known as Gen-Z, Trump’s policy bill represents a shift in retirement policy that places more responsibility on the individual.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • But the water that none of us can live without is everyday kindness and responsibility.
    Pico Iyer, Time, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • At a time when establishing clarity of first principles has never been more urgent, UF’s law school practically dared anyone to criticize the award for whitewashing the Constitution.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • Environmental groups lobbied for the 8.3% increase versus something higher, but also criticized the water authority for not solving its problems sooner.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • But beneath that was a second failing: the Bears ranked 25th in PFF run-blocking grade from 11 personnel.
    Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Peter Johnston, the BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews, is examining the failings that led to the film being broadcast.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • With very little margin for error, any misstep could lead to a steep correction.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Norsk Tipping also apologized for the error and for disappointing its customers.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fault.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fault. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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