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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Sandra Bullock crafts one of her most physically inventive performances — all thrown elbows and twisted ankles — as Gracie Hart, a messy and clumsy yet brilliant F.B.I. Special Agent who must go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant to foil a terrorist plot. —Jason Bailey, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 On July 28, 2022, this murder-for-hire scheme involving Russian mobsters and the Iranian regime targeting a defiant dissident was foiled in Brooklyn. —Katrina Kaufman, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
Wrap the ribs in foil with butter, a few splashes of apple juice, and a spoonful of barbecue sauce. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2025 That dependable radicchio holds up well to vinaigrette and is the perfect foil for all the other crunchy, savory, creamy things to keep it interesting, ’cause listen, nobody wants a boring salad. —Kristen Tauer, WWD, 17 Mar. 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
  • Although so highly esteemed, the notoriously taciturn director would often frustrate his colleagues by his reticence to explain his directorial intentions.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The team settled on a patient with SD Autism Spectrum disorder who had an ankle sprain but frustrated Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) with his endless questions.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of frustrate
Noun
  • By contrast, 83% of Democrats see international alliances as a valuable strength.
    — Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Conventional social media, by contrast, is siloed: a Facebook account cannot follow or message a TikTok account.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of contrast
Verb
  • Our favorite bike locks for every ride, including new locks designed to thwart angle grinders.
    — Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Scott was originally set to headline the fest in 2020 before the pandemic thwarted those plans.
    — Justin Curto, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of thwart
Noun
  • Think of it as the perfect complement to a facelift—an ideal annual tune-up to help maintain a refreshed, youthful look.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Blackmon, who would be an ideal complement to Tre’von Moehrig, has been in and out of the Colts’ lineup for years with consistent injury woes.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of complement
Verb
  • Two endangered whales are baffling researchers by continuing to show up along a stretch of U.S coast that is not part of their turf, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
    — Mark Price, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s mass tariffs have baffled Americans, creating uncertainty for the average consumer, according to industry leaders.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of baffle
Noun
  • These fast-acting patches are an excellent alternative to natural pill supplements.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Your doctor will order a quick blood test and advise which supplements to add to your daily routine to restore balance and increase nail strength.
    — Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of supplement
Verb
  • Aly Song | Reuters Trump's tariffs on China are already hampering Christmas sales.
    — Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox,Christina Wilkie,Erin Doherty,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The deep budget cuts at HHS have also hampered the nation’s disease-detection capacity and pandemic preparedness with respect to pathogens such as bird flu, according to experts.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of hamper
Noun
  • This woven rattan side table is generously sized and provides a nice textural counterpoint to the other furniture.
    — Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025
  • In an attempt to launch his counterpoint, O’Leary began animatedly gesturing and was abruptly confronted.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 20 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 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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