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
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.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of foil
Cam Inman, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
That plot was foiled in April 2024.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
To manage cold temperatures, an internal heating structure composed of a thin film of nickel foil (approximately 10 microns thick) will be added to the battery.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foil
Verb
Jones ran for 23 yards on two carries, but a Jauan Jennings facemask penalty wiped out a 13-yard scamper by Jones to foil the opening drive.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025
That plot was foiled in April 2024.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
That sensibility is countered by Dina’s, who plays the romantic foil to Liberty’s pessimist.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
To manage cold temperatures, an internal heating structure composed of a thin film of nickel foil (approximately 10 microns thick) will be added to the battery.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil
Verb
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There were rumors Williams was frustrated with how the Jets were playing, and one can’t blame him, having been part of seven straight losing seasons.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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The deadlock has put a pall over Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are frustrated, staffers aren’t getting paid, and the mood is dark, even compared to shutdowns of years past.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In contrast, Roosevelt set out to create a press-savvy White House that didn’t just tolerate reporters but welcomed them.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The historic build-up stands in stark contrast to the United States’ own supply struggles.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Will Baltimore manage to thwart a Vikings rushing attack that gashed the Lions for 142 yards, cause McCarthy to assume a heavier load than Minnesota’s coaches would like and force the first-year starter into youthful mistakes?—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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But with the teams back to even strength a short time later, Kirill Kaprizov got loose in the middle of the offensive zone and made a rush to the net that was thwarted.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The coalition’s education drive complements the commission’s research by preparing the community to understand and support whatever proposals eventually emerge.—
J.M. Banks
November 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Nov. 2025
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The dark chocolate hue complements most decor styles and is both trendy and timeless, plus the deep seat is supported with no-sag springs for better support.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As if dark energy weren't already mysterious and baffling enough, new research suggests that this unknown force may not be driving galaxies apart at an accelerating rate anymore.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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Played for comic relief, he is baffled by this son of his who attends college and, more perplexing yet, is suddenly obsessed with Italy and cycling.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Before starting a supplement, consult with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal dosage.—
T'Keyah Bazin,
Verywell Health,
5 Nov. 2025
-
OneGenAway is hosting drive-through food supplement pickups.—
Gabrielle Chenault,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Damage to the blood-brain barrier leads to inflammation within the brain and hampers the clearance of waste products like beta-amyloid protein (seen in Alzheimer's disease).—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
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All of these issues combined have left Target with a workforce that has grown faster than sales and a complex corporate structure that has hampered decision-making and created needless red tape.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,Annie Palmer,Frank Holland,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Nair’s career trajectory offers a counterpoint to conventional Hollywood success stories.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
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This recipe combines the tangy delight with another star of the season, cranberry, for a dish that's a wonderful counterpoint to the holiday's rich, carb-heavy foods.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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