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

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 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 Garfield at least is great at bringing nerdy warmth and awkward earnestness to Tobias, Pugh is enjoyably fiery as Almut and each gives depth to their characters’ features and foibles alike. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foible 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
Noun
  • Symptoms often include muscle weakness, brain fog, memory impairment, and, to make matters worse, poor sleep quality.
    Brittany Risher, SELF, 6 Dec. 2024
  • While individual consumers’ choices are often at the mercy of industry marketing, businesses can base their decisions on a thorough analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
    Crystal Heath and Gene Baur, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • By no fault of his own, Aiyuk's lengthy hold-in was just the tip of the iceberg for the 49ers this season.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
  • And there was the catastrophic mega-tsunami of 1700, originating from a magnitude 9 earthquake over the Cascadia fault system, which runs offshore from Northern California to Vancouver Island for 700 miles.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the Knicks are left to regroup, knowing that the growing pains of integrating major offseason additions are part of the process — but also recognizing the urgency to address their shortcomings.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
  • My concern is that few politicians recognize the creeping financial and credibility risks with this impasse, and neither is there much recognition of the need to update the constitution and political process given the shortcomings that this debacle has highlighted.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Courage Under Fire’s Rashomon-like investigation and gender politics aren’t particularly riveting, but Washington’s steady righteousness is nicely undercut by the character’s inability to forgive himself for his own sins.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024
  • Gabbard's sin is criticizing Ukraine and calling for an end to the hostilities.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near foible

Cite this Entry

“Foible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foible. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on foible

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