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

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

Wealthy people — their absurdities and their pains, their endless wants and needs and human foibles — have dominated streaming’s output over the last several years. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!