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 Men sharing their experiences, their foibles, their missteps, their wants, their aches, and a lot of humor with it. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Some Hughes movies explore the trials of youth, and some depict the foibles and frustrations of adulthood. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026 For all of his foibles and his indifference to practice, Allen Iverson will forever be more beloved here than Donovan McNabb. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for foible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foible
  1. weakness
  2. fault
  3. shortcoming
  4. sin
Noun
  • Contrary to Trump’s understanding of leadership, empathy doesn’t equate to weakness but to strength.
    — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • However, the company expects future models to discover weaknesses that remain unknown today.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • Their usefulness will depend on reliable navigation, robust fault responses and effective coordination between onboard systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, this fault lies with the core of Netflix’s business model.
    — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of fault
Noun
  • Conversations with my replacement confirmed that local physicians were frustrated with Theranos over these shortcomings and communicating with our laboratory about them.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • For residents, the reservoir nonetheless remains a painfully visible symbol of the city’s shortcomings.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of shortcoming
Noun
  • Confession is looked at as some kind of sin and it’s associated with shame.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Lamb, who was once floated for the service’s top job, treats his current position as a kind of penance for past sins, both for himself and for his underlings.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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