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

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 In an attempt to hang loose with the gang at a PMF, you may be exposed to gossipy whispers about the foibles, secrets or annoying idiosyncrasies of fellow execs or co-workers. —

Dr. David Lenihan, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Though his second feature may be one of his few forays into the dramatic, Chaplin cements his skills as a keen, sensitive observer of human foibles. —

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 14 Dec. 2024 Every night, Kaci and I had candlelit dinners, laughed over our little foibles, flirted and slept. —

Rebecca Collins Jordan, New York Times, 13 Dec. 2024 Unfortunately, Kravitz has neither the vision nor the range to deftly skewer the heinous foibles of wealthy men, let alone disrupt Tatum’s onscreen reputation. —

Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible

Noun

Promoting school choice is fundamentally about promoting the broadest array of options possible, because, as everyone knows, kids are different, with different needs, interests, strengths and weaknesses.

— The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty with balance, neuropathic pain, and muscle weakness.

— Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025