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 Please Don’t Eat the Daisies by Jean Kerr (1957) $16 $19 now 16% off This used to be a proper country, where numerous humor writers regularly published in mainstream periodicals their gentle, relatable, and cutting musings about the foibles of modern life. Brian Boone, Vulture, 18 June 2025 And yet, despite its knack for nailing characters with a single sentence and its willingness to embrace all their faults and foibles, Too Much feels emotionally distant, as if we’re being told about all of these experiences rather than invited into them. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025 And people loved him for his for his strengths and for his foibles. Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 20 May 2025 The next Meet the Parents, the first addition to the franchise in 15 years, will continue to follow the foibles of Stiller’s character Greg Focker and his wife Pam (Polo), their parents, and now their children. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
Noun
  • Kindness may sound like a luxury in today’s high-takes, deliver-faster, do more with less, margin-tighter world—or worse, weakness.
    Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • History shows, however, that strengths can become weaknesses over time, and that is the most dangerous threat looming over these titans.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Interestingly, such behavior was observed even when participants knew they were being observed or recorded, showcasing how deep-seated the self-serving bias is with regard to owning fault and accepting responsibility.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Although there is often consensus among critics of the health-care system about its numerous faults, approaching the central issue of profiting from illness is virtually avoided.
    David Marks, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The series sounds the alarm on the waning influence of traditional media and calls prominent journalists, including former New York Times writer Judith Miller, to task for reporting shortcomings.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The pandemic exposed these shortcomings: Students who experienced this superficial digitization after the abrupt shift online declared that higher education via Zoom often left them dissatisfied with both the process and results.
    Scott Pulsipher, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Don’t point to things with chopsticks or commit the double-dipping sin of taking food from a common plate with chopsticks that have been in your mouth.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The water is meant to show thanks to god, or provide spiritual relief, including purifying the devotee’s soul of sin.
    Aishwarya S. Iyer, CNN Money, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foible. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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