FAULT Synonyms: 228 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'fault' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fault are failing , foible , frailty , and vice . While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," 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: When could 'failing' be used to replace 'fault'?

The words failing and fault can be used in similar contexts, but failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character. // being late is a failing of mine

Q: When might 'foible' be a better fit than 'fault'?

Although the words foible and fault have much in common, foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy. // an eccentric's charming foibles

Q: In what contexts can 'frailty' take the place of 'fault'?

While the synonyms frailty and fault are close in meaning, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation. // human frailties

Q: When is it sensible to use 'vice' instead of 'fault'?

The synonyms vice and fault are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

fault 1 of 2

noun

ˈfȯlt

Definition of fault next

as in weakness

a defect in character the common fault of being quick to judge others

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as in mistake

an unintentional departure from truth or accuracy there's a fault somewhere in the program

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as in blame

responsibility for wrongdoing or failure getting the time of the performance wrong was entirely my fault

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as in defect

something that spoils the appearance or completeness of a thing the minor faults in the leather are entirely natural and are what gives it a look different from vinyl

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as in responsibility

the state of being held as the cause of something that needs to be set right the investigator determined that the auto accident was entirely the other driver's fault

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fault

2 of 2

verb

as in to blame

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of you should look at your own work before faulting what others have done

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How does the noun fault differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fault are failing, foible, frailty, and vice. While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," 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

When could failing be used to replace fault?

The words failing and fault can be used in similar contexts, but failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

When might foible be a better fit than fault?

Although the words foible and fault have much in common, foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

In what contexts can frailty take the place of fault?

While the synonyms frailty and fault are close in meaning, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

When is it sensible to use vice instead of fault?

The synonyms vice and fault are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 fault

Noun

Advertisement Edison has denied fault in the Eaton fire. —

Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 With an average of about 200 cable faults a year, according to the International Cable Protection Committee, damage to undersea communications infrastructure is not uncommon. —

Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025

Verb

The countering of the conspiracy theory comes amid a broader review of how the FBI handled its intelligence gathering ahead of the attack on the Capitol, with the report faulting the bureau for not pushing field offices to collect more information from informants ahead of the rally. —

Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024 In a ruling issued late Tuesday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez faulted the auction process, per the AP. —

Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fault

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fault

Noun

But Price acknowledged that the case revealed multiple weaknesses in how police handled homicide investigations at the time, leading to widespread reforms that remain in place today.

— Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
This will involve complete assessments of endpoints, employee training, or network access controls that represent the weaknesses.

— William Jones, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025