Synonyms of foil

foil 1 of 2

verb

ˈfȯi(-ə)l 

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

• frustrate
• thwart
• baffle
• hamper
• prevent
• defeat
• balk
• stop
• hinder
• beat
• overcome
• checkmate
• impede
• halt
• block
• discomfit
• obstruct
• set back
• hold back
• bar
• interfere (with)
• inhibit
• tie up
• arrest
• stall
• handicap
• check
• neutralize
• preclude
• shackle
• offset
• forestall
• obviate
• avert
• clog
• nullify
• encumber
• counteract
• short-circuit
• conquer
• trammel
• negate
• hobble
• manacle
• fetter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• promote
• forward
• encourage
• assist
• advance
• aid
• foster
• cultivate
• further
• facilitate
• nurture
• smooth
• ease
• abet

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.

Related Words

• contrast
• complement
• supplement
• counterpoint
• correlate
• counter
• mirror image
• inverse
• negation
• opposite
• antithesis
• converse
• antonym
• contrary
• obverse
• reverse
• antipode
• negative

Dissimilar Words

• synonym
• counterpart
• analogue
• copy
• duplicate
• replica
• carbon copy

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

Recent Examples of foil

Verb

The Eagles — who won a Super Bowl on a trick play — were foiled by one when Jennings was pitched the ball and rolled right and hit McCaffrey on a 29-yard touchdown. —Dan Gelston, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026

The Eagles — who won a Super Bowl on a trick play — were foiled by one when Jennings was pitched the ball and rolled right and hit McCaffery on a 29-yard touchdown. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026

Noun

Exactly one month earlier, the Thunder treaded in dynastic waters until San Antonio rose as a worthy foil, audacious enough to disrupt their flow. —Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026

Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup (1 ounce) of parmesan on top and continue baking, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026