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foil

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noun

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
The weather conditions were a vast improvement on Sunday, with sunshine and improved breezes making for consistent foiling around the course. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 9 June 2025 In testing, with all other antivirus components disabled, Bitdefender’s ransomware protection foiled 11 of 12 real-world ransomware attacks. PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
Noun
The governor has cast himself as a foil to President Donald Trump following his return to office, and has attracted national attention over his opposition to the president's policies. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 Charli is exceptionally good at reiterating her own notoriety via a kind of defiant strut, smirking in the face of jealous losers; Rae is not nearly as convincing in this mode, but something about her wholesomeness works as a foil to Charli’s cockiness. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for foil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil
Verb
  • Retailers have sought to prevent theft without compromising the customer experience as traditional approaches such as locking up products can frustrate shoppers and have been found to lower sales.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • And after reports surfaced that Boston had grown frustrated with the star slugger not conducting postgame TV interviews, Devers did exactly that in his first week in San Francisco.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • In contrast, a minimum AI-ready product (MAP) strategically integrates AI from the beginning, resulting in intelligent, adaptive and anticipatory products right from day one.
    Ashay Satav, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • This is in contrast to people with Alzheimer’s disease, where it’s known that elevated p-tau217 contributes to the brain pathology seen in that condition.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Bill Daly is a former FBI investigator who worked to thwart terror attacks and dealt with foreign counterintelligence.
    Peter D'Abrosca , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • Nena Farrell The Best Bike Locks and Ebike Locks Our favorite bike locks for every ride, including new locks designed to thwart angle grinders.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Integration with Transit: AVs should serve as a complement to, not a replacement for, public transportation.
    Regina Clewlow, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Heat mainstays Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were believed to be off-limits in any potential trade for Durant, with the thought that Durant would have arrived as a complement to the two.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • What baffles researchers is that some people who suffer from chronic pain report not having a past injury or evidence of illness.
    Nicole Pajer, People.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • While supplements containing omega-3s benefit some health conditions, consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements or making dietary changes to avoid interactions with medications such as blood thinners.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 27 June 2025
  • When buying a supplement, make sure the product is independently tested.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 26 June 2025
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, 21 June 2025
  • As exciting as the high-speed maze gameplay gets, though, Pac-Man Superfast is hampered by a few odd design decisions.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Poetry in the Soil: Thematic Roots of the Exhibition Mutu’s enigmatic works do not mimic or mock classical aesthetics but create a contemporary counterpoint.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The Catholic Church has become a leading counterpoint to Trump’s immigration policies and tactics.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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