FOIBLE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

foible

noun

ˈfȯi-bəl

Definition of foible next

as in weakness

a defect in character could tolerate my uncle's foibles because we loved him dearly

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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

Examples of foible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Why can’t your friend recognize her self-destructive foibles? —

Chelsea Leu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2024 In real life, such human foibles are likely veiled behind the solemnity of religious tradition and the sacred import of what’s at stake. —

David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2024 This kind of tender sentimentality isn’t par for the course with Hong, a filmmaker whose essential feature template may be close to self-parody in its consistency, but allows for a fluid, ever-expanding spectrum of moods, feelings and foibles. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Aug. 2024 Unable to fully shift his thinking let alone his broader strategy, Trump seems determined to keep litigating perceived slights against his legacy and prosecuting the foibles of Biden. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foible

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.