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

O’Brien still has fun with societal foibles, just in a less direct fashion than some of his contemporaries. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2025

Elric Kane’s assured film seamlessly blends elements of science fiction and psychological thriller to thoughtfully examine the human fear of death, using the foibles of modern dating, strangely, to underscore its points. —Erik Piepenburg, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

For Carti fans, appreciating his unusual gifts comes with an awareness of his foibles, of the erratic release schedules and legal woes that undermine his work. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025

Though these dynamics are clearly established by the end of episode one, White spends the first three hours reiterating his characters’ foibles. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025

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