as in contrasts
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
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Dissimilar Words
as in frustrates
to prevent from achieving a goal
in popular fiction the hero will always foil the villain's plans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of foils
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2026
The metal could appear in oversized zippers, shiny buttons, bold belt buckles or as metallic coatings and foils.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Jan. 2026
Banks created this look by topping a black polish with colorful, holographic foils.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
But in addition to their function as comedic foils, the duo also help reinforce the show’s message that friendship is another infinite resource that helps pull us through the toughest moments of our lives.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
New Atlas has previously reported on fast, inexpensive direct lithium extraction that could prevent supply crises, and a super-fast robotic system for dismantling EV batteries to extract lithium, cobalt, and metal foils.
—New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
In giving each of its characters new foils, the unreality of the show finally takes off.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
The potential face-to-face could represent a detente for the Republican president and Democratic political star, who have cast each other as political foils.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025
The new candy in the brand's iconic shape features white chocolate creme blended with crunchy cookie pieces wrapped in seasonal foils.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
So give a warm welcome to The Life of a Showgirl, Swift’s 12th studio album, which foils The Tortured Poets Department in a few major ways.
—Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
The company, which is best known for its jetboards and e-foils, just unveiled a new model called the Navi at this year’s Boot Düsseldorf convention.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2026
The metal could appear in oversized zippers, shiny buttons, bold belt buckles or as metallic coatings and foils.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Jan. 2026
Banks created this look by topping a black polish with colorful, holographic foils.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
But in addition to their function as comedic foils, the duo also help reinforce the show’s message that friendship is another infinite resource that helps pull us through the toughest moments of our lives.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
New Atlas has previously reported on fast, inexpensive direct lithium extraction that could prevent supply crises, and a super-fast robotic system for dismantling EV batteries to extract lithium, cobalt, and metal foils.
—New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
In giving each of its characters new foils, the unreality of the show finally takes off.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
The potential face-to-face could represent a detente for the Republican president and Democratic political star, who have cast each other as political foils.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025
The new candy in the brand's iconic shape features white chocolate creme blended with crunchy cookie pieces wrapped in seasonal foils.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
Few passengers can show original receipts, which foils their claim.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
So give a warm welcome to The Life of a Showgirl, Swift’s 12th studio album, which foils The Tortured Poets Department in a few major ways.
—Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foils
Verb
-
Usually the offseason frustrates me.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Made almost entirely from screen recordings and captures, Their Eyes frustrates the viewer’s desire to see beyond the digital interface.—
Farren Fei Yuan,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The beds’ design complements the trim on the garden shed, which is surrounded by colorful flowers.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The nutty flavor is mild and complements yogurt, smoothies and salads.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Unless her future self thwarts the plan, Steiner will mail a copy of Empty Chair to her estranged relative in hopes of reconciliation.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
29 Jan. 2026
-
But critics say too much state overreach ignores the distinct needs of different communities and thwarts local innovation.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
19 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Low Blood Cell Counts Taking zinc supplements every day for several months can lower red or white blood cell counts.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
11 Feb. 2026
-
What are the benefits of hawthorn berry supplements?—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That said, the Recording Academy never goes too long without making a choice that baffles everybody, as when Jon Batiste beat Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift in 2022.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
If New England defeats the Seattle Seahawks, Vrabel will become the first person to ever win a Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach for the same franchise.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Gold Coast League co-champions Brentwood and Crossroads have already met twice and could meet a third time in the second round of the Division 1 playoffs if Brentwood defeats Fairmont Prep and Crossroads defeats Long Beach Poly.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foils. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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