foil 1 of 2

verb

ˈfȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce foil (audio)
Definition of foilnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

foil

2 of 2

noun

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.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb foil differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foil are baffle, balk, frustrate, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

When would baffle be a good substitute for foil?

The words baffle and foil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When is balk a more appropriate choice than foil?

While the synonyms balk and foil are close in meaning, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

In what contexts can frustrate take the place of foil?

While in some cases nearly identical to foil, frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When might thwart be a better fit than foil?

The synonyms thwart and foil are sometimes interchangeable, but thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

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 foil
Verb
French naval architect Guillaume Verdier designed the foiling yacht, drawing upon the design prowess and technical expertise of the Ferrari team while injecting his signature style. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 June 2025 Just two months later, authorities foiled another apparent attempt on Trump’s life at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2024. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 16 June 2025
Noun
The hot dogs are always spinning, and the vibe is pure blue-collar: no flair, just foil. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2025 Video footage showed the tourist covered in a foil blanket before he was taken to the hospital by air. —Michael Nied, People.com, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for foil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil
  1. frustrate
  2. contrast
  3. thwart
  4. complement
  5. baffle
  6. supplement
  7. hamper
  8. counterpoint
Verb
  • The men's families and supporters were frustrated with the pace of the hearing.
    — Christina Hall, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
  • Not being able to offer a heart-lung transplant in Austin frustrates Fraser.
    — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Definition of frustrate
Noun
  • In contrast, the Cincinnati area is aging more quickly and struggling to draw in younger workers — a trend that, according to the chamber's report, could hinder the region’s ability to compete with other metros in business growth, infrastructure development, and innovation.
    — Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
  • In contrast, the E1’s network fabric allows any arbitrary path a program could ask for.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2025
Definition of contrast
Verb
  • Thus, they are thwarted in their villainous intentions to use AGI and ASI to be criminal collaborators.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Sources, including a former director at CDC whose center oversaw MMWR, told MedPage that cuts to CDC funding and staff have likely thwarted the journal.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 28 July 2025
Definition of thwart
Noun
  • Apple and caramel are the perfect complement to graham cracker's warm, nutty flavors.
    — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 17 July 2025
  • Its complement, formerly the home of tycoon and philanthropist Chung Keng Quee and now the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, was painted the precise food-coloring green of Malaysian pandan cake.
    — Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2025
Definition of complement
Verb
  • Money terms and concepts continue to baffle people, many of whom are seeking answers through online searches.
    — Russ Wiles, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.
    — Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of baffle
Noun
  • There’s no one-size-fits-all formula since the best pre-workout supplements always depend on one's body, goals and tolerance to certain ingredients.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Caffeine has little to no effect on the absorption of many common supplements.
    — Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 July 2025
Definition of supplement
Verb
  • 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, 28 July 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of hamper
Noun
  • Do’s backstory explained Lee Do serves as a counterpoint to Baek’s nihilistic ruthlessness.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 25 July 2025
  • Instead, Belmont Park has been crafted as a counterpoint to the chaos, thoughtful landscaping, on-trend dining, and a guest-first philosophy embedded into everything from transport to tone.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of counterpoint

Browse Nearby Words

foibles
foil
foiled
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Cite this Entry

“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on foil

Nglish: Translation of foil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about foil

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