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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
Aronofsky attempted a similar tactic on Kunis, but her friendship with Portman foiled his plan. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025 By learning the details of infostealer campaigns, researchers can help foil them. PC Magazine, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
Prolonged contact with moisture, acids, or salts an cause the foil to degrade, allowing aluminum to leach into the food. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025 In the pantry is a stovetop kettle and ground coffee wrapped in foil paper. Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil
Verb
  • The more time went on, the more Mourinho grew visibly frustrated with his role at United.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • What's Next The government faces steep socioeconomic and cultural headwinds that have frustrated other nations, and whether ending the two-child policy will make a significant difference on the trend remains uncertain.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This led to a fierce competition with the other big name of 1980s Italian fashion, Gianni Versace, whose dazzling style stood in stark contrast to Armani’s typically understated looks.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The white skirt portion of the dress provided a bold contrast to the top and was covered in oversized black polka dots.
    Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Marable then came up with a fumble recovery to thwart a Red Oak drive as the Cougars trailed 20-18 at intermission.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In Greenberg’s novel, Cherry and Hero are already secret lovers who conspire to thwart the menfolk’s machinations.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Dill is an easy herb to grow and its unique anise flavor complements salads and meats and adds tang to a jar of pickles.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The company frames its program as a complement to deeper investments in housing and quality of life, and the beginning of a new method towards development.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That’s baffling to me that it was even checked.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Willis, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker who starred for the San Francisco 49ers, was baffled by Jerry Jones sending Parsons to Green Bay.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The pet supplement space is crowded with options, many of which have cheerful packaging and confident claims, yet little transparency about efficacy.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Zeaxanthin is a type of xanthophyll – a yellow carotenoid pigment found broadly in nature – already available as a supplement for eye health, and found in dark leafy greens like kale, as well as orange peppers, mango and corn.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Currently, only 37% of the more than 5 million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For a fresh counterpoint to fall’s deep, moody tones, look to this bestselling Madewell bucket tote.
    Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The counterpoint to this is that there are far fewer NFL games per week, and far fewer streaming games for the NFL than there are for the NBA.
    John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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