Thesaurus

foil

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of foil

(Entry 1 of 2)

to prevent from achieving a goal

in popular fiction the hero will always foil the villain's plans

Synonyms for foil

Words Related to foil

counteract,
offset

Near Antonyms for foil

Antonyms for foil

foil

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of foil (Entry 2 of 2)

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 & Near Synonyms for foil

negation

antonym

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for foil

synonym

Frequently Asked Questions About foil

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