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 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 Others, like the infamous Che Diaz or Pose’s Elektra and Candy, land closer to home and remind us of our own real-life foibles. Samantha Riedel, Them., 28 Mar. 2025 Both women must adapt to each other’s perspective and foibles, and each grows in the process. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025 The vast majority of those foibles belong to Dennis. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
Noun
  • With a newfound sense of self, Murderbot is forced to hide its disgust for human weakness and emotion.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 May 2025
  • Proton Mail encourages you to save a recovery key in the form of a lengthy code and a QR code, but that recovery key itself now becomes a weakness.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The self-healing capability would enable the grid quickly to isolate and repair faults, reduce the time needed to restore power after outages, and prevent blackouts—reducing the impacts of energy disruptions.
    Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Rand argues that the studios are at fault, and that giving them more taxpayer money is not the answer.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Like at Philippe’s, the sandwich ($23) requires a few dips in the cup of jus to hide a multitude of shortcomings.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • But the shortcomings of the air traffic control system have been known for decades.
    Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • If Sam is wrong, his journalistic sin is unpardonable.
    Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 13 May 2025
  • Harrison’s sin is not trading Doncic, but demanding so little in return from the Lakers.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foible. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on foible

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