foible

noun

ˈfȯi-bəl How to pronounce foible (audio)
Definition of foiblenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Both women must adapt to each other’s perspective and foibles, and each grows in the process. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025 The vast majority of those foibles belong to Dennis. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 24 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 The second successfully put its whole focus on addressing the foibles of the first. —Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
  1. weakness
  2. fault
  3. shortcoming
  4. sin
Noun
  • During periods of economic weakness when lending activity slows, consumers with high credit scores sometimes can take advantage of attractive offers.
    — Russ Wiles, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • This move addresses one ongoing weakness with Bluesky: knowing who is real.
    — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • But officials were not able to confirm if a blown tire was at fault for the crash.
    — Ron Wilkins, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s two-month investigation in December 2024 also reportedly concluded that no one was at fault.
    — Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of fault
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
Definition of shortcoming
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
Definition of sin

Browse Nearby Words

fogyism
foible
foibles
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Cite this Entry

“Foible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foible. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of foible for Spanish Speakers

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