as in weaknesses
a defect in character
could tolerate my uncle's foibles because we loved him dearly
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Recent Examples of foibles
The British sketch comedy troupe Monty Python loved taking aim at contemporary foibles through its twisted and liberal reading of history.
—
David Faris, TheWeek, 29 Apr. 2026
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, literature will outlast the foibles of misguided mortals.
—Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Lindsay-Abaire, who has a fondness for a good turn of phrase and an ear for the foibles of the tristate suburbs (both figuring in his Kimberly Akimbo), has said he was inspired in part by following his own neighborhood’s Google group, which had vicious fights about drainage systems.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Munson is a terrific burst of fresh air, enlivening the coach car with humor built from relationship foibles.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
The experiences of Americans − from social movements and racial tensions to government foibles, consumerism, media sensationalism and even the American dream itself − have informed our dramatic productions.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Mostly gone are the staff’s personal foibles and follies, but vanished, too, is the post-COVID-19 despair that hung over the inaugural episodes like an aerosol haze.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
For all of Mayor Adams’ foibles, one of his definite achievements was the passage of the City of Yes package of legislation, which took concrete steps in the direction of facilitating more and larger development.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Kuper, as a man who has lived in many different countries, writes well about the cultures and foibles of soccer teams and their fans.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
David Faris, TheWeek, 29 Apr. 2026
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, literature will outlast the foibles of misguided mortals.
—Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Lindsay-Abaire, who has a fondness for a good turn of phrase and an ear for the foibles of the tristate suburbs (both figuring in his Kimberly Akimbo), has said he was inspired in part by following his own neighborhood’s Google group, which had vicious fights about drainage systems.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
Munson is a terrific burst of fresh air, enlivening the coach car with humor built from relationship foibles.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
The experiences of Americans − from social movements and racial tensions to government foibles, consumerism, media sensationalism and even the American dream itself − have informed our dramatic productions.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Mostly gone are the staff’s personal foibles and follies, but vanished, too, is the post-COVID-19 despair that hung over the inaugural episodes like an aerosol haze.
—Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
For all of Mayor Adams’ foibles, one of his definite achievements was the passage of the City of Yes package of legislation, which took concrete steps in the direction of facilitating more and larger development.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Kuper, as a man who has lived in many different countries, writes well about the cultures and foibles of soccer teams and their fans.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foibles
Noun
-
The problem is having a setup around him that simultaneously platforms his strengths and covers for his weaknesses.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
What are your true emotional and mental weaknesses?—
Terry Terrones,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The article pointed out that many of her colleagues are multi-millionaires, and her anti-capitalist view that has garnered attention could show faults in her philosophy.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
9 May 2026
-
This commitment to one another, to seeing each other’s faults and growth, is one of the miracles of being in a band.—
Katie Gavin,
Time,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The checklist included all her shortcomings, physical and otherwise.—
Erin Entrada Kelly,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
-
Heirloom cherry tomatoes have a shorter shelf life than hybrids, but their flavor overrides their shortcomings.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The characters then cross the nine concentric circles of hell, beginning with Limbo and then various circles where the souls of those who commit different sins end up.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
11 May 2026
-
There are worse sins in the world.—
Joshua Rothkopf,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foibles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foibles. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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