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 Blanc is trying to put together a puzzle, but most of its pieces are rooted in the human foibles that drive people to do dastardly things. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025 Asimov's original idea was to conceive a sound system by which humanity's foibles and follies could be traced and tracked over centuries. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025 From Albee and Amis to Russo and Jonas, trapping frustrated adults and barely-adults together is always a recipe for exploding characters’ egos and foibles. Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025 If anything, human therapists, due to their human foibles, are less likely to give holistic mental health guidance due to purposely avoiding the friendship side. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
Noun
  • Though the Red Sox did shoot themselves in the foot with base-running, fielding and bunting failures in Game 2, thus costing them their shot at reaching the ALDS, Game 3 was a bit more representative of the Red Sox and their weaknesses.
    Michael Hurley, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • However, other small business indicators show weakness.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Only one drive on Monday even crossed into Denver territory, even if that wasn’t all his fault.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • None were definitively the fault of Waymo’s actual self-driving technology.
    Saahil Desai, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Baltimore’s special teams have been fine except for shoddy kick coverage and execution, but the unit certainly hasn’t been strong enough to make up for any of the team’s other shortcomings or been the difference in them winning a close game.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In a 2019 post celebrating his third wedding anniversary with Miles, Minoso poked fun at his character’s romantic shortcomings.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The brothers grew up in a household ruled by their mother’s preachings about the sins of lust and carnal desire, per the outlet, which also reports that their father was an alcoholic.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
  • This also ensures the bacon drippings don’t go to waste, which is a serious Southern sin.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foible. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on foible

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