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
Max Tani, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
The plot was only foiled after Roske noticed law enforcement and spoke on the phone with her sister and then 911.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025
Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
These vessels ride on submerged, winglike structures called foils.
—Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foil
Verb
The first is leading the network through a big-picture structural change that has foiled a generation of TV news executives.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
The plot was only foiled after Roske noticed law enforcement and spoke on the phone with her sister and then 911.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
Remove foil, and bake at 400° until dough is golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
These vessels ride on submerged, winglike structures called foils.
—Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil
Verb
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By the end of last season, Ancelotti was getting frustrated with how some of his stars were losing focus and not applying their talents to the benefit of collective success.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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Since the four-day week started, Corbin said, she’s been frustrated that some of her children’s teachers have stopped sending homework, and that others have directed students to take the lead during parent-teacher conferences.—
Ilana Arougheti
Updated October 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For the chattering women, by contrast, the tool of power is writing; and for people who were almost certainly illiterate, the writing takes on almost magical characteristics.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The characters are all different, but the contrast in personalities was similar.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Governor Kathy Hochul, whose own term has been defined by attempts to override local municipalities that thwart housing development and density, also supports the plan.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
24 Oct. 2025
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Federico Gatti was also excellent in thwarting Madrid’s attacks.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And so Rice and Smith, to me, are a perfect complement.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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The cardamom and iris in Santal 33 complement the incense notes in Babycat while adding a smoky woodiness that makes the whole blend even more intriguing.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Until finally, he is baffled by the very mystery of life, love, and death.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
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One morning, members of the Fort Greely missile defense base spot an ICBM of unknown origin on a suborbital trajectory heading straight for Chicago, baffling the country’s top intelligence and defense teams who only have 18 minutes to respond before impact.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The bladder control supplement should be returned to the store of purchase for a refund.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
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Other findings suggest the fungi or its supplement could promote beneficial gut bacteria and modulate immune function, says Goodson.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After the gargantuan task of playing a six-hour and 39-minute baseball game, it was almost expected that the Dodgers would be somewhat hampered, but the Toronto Blue Jays not only had the same circumstances, but handily won Game 4.—
Gabe Smallson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The soundtrack here is an important counterpoint to the visual impact, transporting the viewer into a subconscious state that connects them with their deepest emotions and life memories.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
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This Apple-and-Fennel Salad is the perfect counterpoint—crisp, fresh, and just a little tart.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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