Synonyms of foible

foible

noun

ˈfȯi-bəl 

as in weakness

a defect in character

could tolerate my uncle's foibles because we loved him dearly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weakness
• fault
• shortcoming
• sin
• deficiency
• failing
• vice
• demerit
• frailty
• sinfulness
• feet of clay
• flaw
• evil
• dereliction
• imperfection
• blot
• stain
• blemish
• want
• minus
• nit
• corruption
• immorality
• soft spot
• spot
• wickedness
• depravity
• Achilles' heel

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• virtue
• merit
• excellence
• perfection
• integrity
• morality
• goodness
• righteousness
• rectitude
• probity

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

Recent Examples of foible

For much of the Real Housewives franchises’ run, Atlanta has been the preeminent standout, making television magic out of foibles as minor as being excluded from a party’s RSVP list, as happened between NeNe Leakes and Shereé Whitfield in season one. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 May 2025

His transcendent 2022 feature, The Worst Person in the World, is both a romantic comedy and an anti-rom-com, a close study of a woman navigating a messy transitional period, alive with intergenerational insights and foibles most of us can recognize from some point in our lives. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025

As the real-time ER drama’s 15-hour shift progresses, Mel evolves into a nuanced person with strengths, weaknesses, charms, and foibles. —Sarah Kurchak, Time, 11 Apr. 2025

Wilson and Marc Maron, who plays Pryce’s grumpy, long-suffering best bud (who is dealing with grief of his own), keep up the steady banter of two guys who know each other’s foibles and try to resist the urge to poke them. —Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!