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 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 Freakier Friday celebrates that and literalizes it, acknowledging the challenges acute to any age, as well as the foibles and perks of life's different seasons. Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
Noun
  • The addition of shutdown closer Jhoan Duran has turned their bullpen from a weakness into a roster strength.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The milestone marks a symbolic win for the blue-chip index, highlighting the market’s resilience despite tariff concerns and signs of weakness in the economy.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Thug’s preexisting relationship with Big Bank also makes the conversation feel very intimate, though sometimes to a fault.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Would the Clippers be at fault if a sponsor decides to pay a player, but there isn’t sufficient evidence the team directed that payment?
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The current Razorback defenders are well aware of the shortcomings in last year’s game.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Does what Marsh or Kepler provide on defense outweigh the matchup shortcomings against a lefty pitcher?
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Sagrada Família was founded as an expiatory church, meaning that it would be financed by prayerful donations from people atoning for their sins.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Lee and her brother William would preach far and wide to attract people to their cause (a necessity, given the lifetime celibacy requirement) and their pursuit of a utopian society free of any and all sin.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foible. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on foible

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