Definition of foiblenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun foible differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foible are failing, fault, frailty, and vice. While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

When could failing be used to replace foible?

While in some cases nearly identical to foible, failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

When can fault be used instead of foible?

The words fault and foible can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would frailty be a reasonable alternative to foible?

The words frailty and foible are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

In what contexts can vice take the place of foible?

Although the words vice and foible have much in common, 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 foible Adjusting to life in a Purosangue requires a zen-like commitment to dealing with electronic foibles. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 That includes the tacky Featherington family, the cane-wielding Lady Danbury, and the mysterious Lady Whistledown, whose newsletter sets the town ablaze by detailing the foibles of the bold and the beautiful by name. Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026 His tendencies and foibles are well known to voters, politicians, and world leaders. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026 Her humanity is foregrounded, and Lloyd Parry avoids sensationalism by honing in on his strengths; his knowledge of the culture and justice system of both Japan and England and his ability to communicate the foibles and quirks of both. Rebecca Hannigan, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
Noun
  • These were analyzing their own strengths and opponents’ weaknesses, forecasting what steps the opponents would take, and making a decision on what to do next.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
  • For the luxury industry, the stakes extend well beyond the immediate disruption as missiles light up the skies over the region that many hoped would help offset offset weakness in China and deliver the sector’s next chapter of growth.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The defense is flawed, the government argued, because Song is not free from fault in prompting Gross’ use of force and the defense cannot show Gross’ pointing his gun at the fleeing person was objectively unreasonable under the circumstances.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Restaurant operators acknowledged their own faults for lengthening the permit process, including by providing incorrect or incomplete information, according to the report.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Wealth tax proponents acknowledge some of the shortcomings of European wealth taxes.
    Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps adults in her life did not admit their shortcomings easily.
    Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Reading Nicholas Mosley’s nonfiction reveals a writer concerned with the sins of the past, with political maneuvering at the highest levels of government, and of personal and ideological betrayals.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Robert Bresson, in seeking the essence of sin and grace in the slightest gesture, largely eschewed professionals in order to distill performance to embodiment.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Foible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foible. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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