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 Observers have suggested physiological reasons for this Jekyll & Hyde variance but there are tactical foibles too. Carl Anka, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025 The ninety-seventh Academy Awards lay at the end of a road filled with scandal and chaos, thanks to the tweets of one Karla Sofía Gascón and other foibles along the way. Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 White is simply too gifted a dramatist, and too acute an observer of human foibles, for these concerns to feel forced. Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025 When the wedding goes south, all their romantic lives get entangled and the show follows their foibles and flings. Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
Noun
  • However, economists say trade deficits aren’t a sign of national weakness.
    Time, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The visualisations below make clear how Arsenal can attack Madrid’s areas of weakness.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The ’keeper was very much at fault for Newcastle’s final goal, clipping a pass straight to Joelinton, who passed for Bruno Guimaraes to add the fourth.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The 29-year-old was at fault for both of Lyon’s goals in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg in France, which United drew 2-2.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Less than three weeks after his storybook St. John’s season came to a sudden end, the Hall of Fame coach acknowledged a shortcoming that’s helped drive his roster building this spring.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • And while the firings of three coaches at the end of last season could be interpreted as a warning shot to Hyde, Elias surely knows the responsibility for the team’s current shortcomings falls more on him than his manager.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This represents that a person belongs to Jesus Christ and that a person is grieving and morning for their sins.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • If a teacher required a student who believes that being gay is a sin to write an essay repudiating that belief, for example, that would be unconstitutional.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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