as in to frustrate
to prevent from achieving a goal
in popular fiction the hero will always foil the villain's plans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in contrast
something or someone that is different from another especially in a pleasing way
This cool, refreshing salad is the perfect foil for spicy foods.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of foil
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Any attempt Google has made to do so has been foiled, and its Privacy Sandbox is now on a life support machine.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 11 June 2025
The history of China imposing bans on Bitcoin has led China to have a unique place in the Bitcoin ecosystem, as a sort of foil or a meme that can be used to dampen prices with new news.
—Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for foil
Verb
Armed with the top odds at 14% — along with Utah and Washington — to land the No. 1 overall pick, the Hornets failed to win the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on Monday night at McCormick Place West, foiling the opportunity to secure a potentially franchise-altering player in Duke product Cooper Flagg.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Any attempt Google has made to do so has been foiled, and its Privacy Sandbox is now on a life support machine.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
About his onscreen foil, Isaacs had nothing but kind things to say about Daniel Radcliffe.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 11 June 2025
The history of China imposing bans on Bitcoin has led China to have a unique place in the Bitcoin ecosystem, as a sort of foil or a meme that can be used to dampen prices with new news.
—Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for foil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil
Verb
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Having borrowed the sand and surf motif from his surfer brother Dennis Wilson — the only surfer among the group — Brian later became inspired, and frustrated, by The Beatles’ evolving sound.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
11 June 2025
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But Nelson, clearly, is still frustrated by the decision to let such a talented player leave the team.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
9 June 2025
Noun
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In contrast, polyester is made from fossil fuels and doesn’t biodegrade, as ocean organisms can’t break it down.—
Catherine Salfino,
Sourcing Journal,
6 June 2025
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In contrast, Snowflake’s metrics are considerably poorer.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The original show’s premise dealt with a demonic invasion being thwarted by plucky heroes in mystical samurai armor, which worked sort of like power armor.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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However, the package requires the backing of all EU members and could be thwarted by vetoes from Slovakia and Hungary, which are considered Moscow's closest allies in the EU.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Noun
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Marchand has added another veteran presence to the room and has served as a quality complement to Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen on Florida’s third forward line.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2025
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Smith was a fine complement in the middle to counter the attention opposing defenses sent the way of wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
3 June 2025
Verb
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How Harry has changed under the influence of Meghan Markle has been baffling both to the royal family and beyond.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
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So, for the club to be entertaining flogging, the one man who has bucked that trend is baffling.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Noun
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People with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure are at higher risk for serious side effects and should consult a healthcare provider before taking magnesium supplements.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
13 June 2025
-
When buying a supplement, make sure the product is independently tested.—
Nick Blackmer,
Health,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
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Hundreds of law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal level spent nearly two weeks searching for Hardin, using dogs, drones and aircraft, at times hampered by severe weather.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
Noun
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Shake Brittany Howard alternating between serene high notes and a vinegary rock howl with Cyrus playing chipper, clean counterpoint over production that barrels through disco, synth pop, and French house.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
3 June 2025
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Hamas has responded to Witkoff’s latest proposal with three counterpoints, according to a senior Hamas official.—
Dana Karni,
CNN Money,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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