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 The film, which debuts on Apple TV on July 24, serves as a sweet ode to this burgeoning pastime, while still poking fun at its foibles. — Sean Gregory, Time, 23 July 2026 His foibles in the playoffs came to fruition while trying to guard Joel Embiid. — Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Set in the eponymous Texas metropolis, Dallas followed the Ewings, a powerful family of oil tycoons and ranch owners whose feuds and foibles made for wildly entertaining primetime viewing. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 28 June 2026 For a long time, the lifestyles and foibles of the modest bourgeoisie were a mainstay of art-house cinema, with urbane, upscale audiences happy to turn out to see versions of their own lives depicted on the screen. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
  1. weakness
  2. fault
  3. shortcoming
  4. sin
Noun
  • Question Ford is not alone in exposing the offensive line weakness on the depth chart.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • According to Briggs, work has become synonymous with busyness and resting is seen as a sign of weakness or something taken only as an extreme reward.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • Detecting a developing problem early can therefore be important for keeping the wider system available and preventing a localized fault from becoming a larger operational issue.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The wire is intended to provide a safe path for electricity to travel to earth in the event of a fault or surge.
    — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fault
Noun
  • The club’s shortcomings were particularly evident in the Arsenal loss, as Mateo Kovačić and Nico O’Reilly were outclassed all afternoon.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • These structural shortcomings mean that Southeast Asian governments can’t be too ambitious in their AI strategies.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortcoming
Noun
  • Van Staden was joined in the sin-bin in the next minute by Cobus Reinach for a deliberate knock-on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • In academia, there is no greater sin than passing off another’s work as one’s own.
    — Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
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 30 Aug. 2026.

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