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 next

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

Examples 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 While each of these leaders had his shortcomings and foibles, none of them consistently violated every principle of good leadership like Donald Trump does. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 There’s a new series about the foibles of a wealthy group of neighbors who share cocktails, secrets, and lovers to hilarious and sometimes devastating effect. —

Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2024 If not for some red zone foibles, Kansas City would have won by an outsized margin. —

Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 8 Oct. 2024 The film, often called a love letter to Bollywood, skewers the industry’s foibles (among them nepotism and melodrama) with precision. —

Mallika Rao, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible

Noun

The biggest risks to the expansion are high inflation and global economic weakness, with a tie for third between the incoming administration’s fiscal policies and the size of the U.S. deficit.

Steve Liesman, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024
Fatigue Fatigue and weakness are common signs of abnormally high blood sodium levels, known as hypernatremia.

James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024