FOIBLE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

foible

noun

ˈfȯi-bəl

Definition of foible

as in weakness

a defect in character could tolerate my uncle's foibles because we loved him dearly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Nudging All of Us Toward Peaceful Change Image Ms. Montgomery and Mr. Jones had an affinity for material about marital foibles. —Bill Friskics-Warren, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 The second successfully put its whole focus on addressing the foibles of the first. —Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 18 Jan. 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 And there’s the trust factor: The Leafs seemed to get rid of Kadri, at least in part, because of his playoff, err, foibles. —Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible

Noun

At the same time, there are growing signs of weakness.

— Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
No one wants to lay out their struggles in a room where competitors are listening, ready to pounce on any sign of weakness.

— Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025