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

Relevance

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

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 The Ravens, for all their defensive and special teams foibles and their goofy losses to the Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, belong near the top. —

Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 4 Nov. 2024 State of play: Compared to the other leading candidates in the race who sit on the city council, Wilson has intentionally positioned himself as a political outsider and has capitalized on their foibles to emerge as a front-runner in the final weeks ahead of Election Day. —

Meira Gebel, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024 The narration felt like A Midsummer Night’s Dream as told by Puck or Greek gods with their own foibles looking down at a community of mortals. —

Cat Zhang, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2024 Photograph: Getty Images Few people have greater insight into the follies and foibles of humans than smartphone repair technicians. —

Pia Ceres, WIRED, 11 Nov. 2021 See all Example Sentences for foible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible

Noun

More news: Dodgers to Sign Asian Star to 3-Year Contract For teams trying to upgrade a position of weakness on a budget, Moncada could represent a high-upside play on a short-term contract.

Newsweek, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025
Several stocks are primed for a bounce after recent weakness at the turn of the new year.

Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Jan. 2025