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
Relevance
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.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Jen Murphy, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026
My plan got foiled when Ewers was promoted to starter for the final three games.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
To manage cold temperatures, an internal heating structure composed of a thin film of nickel foil (approximately 10 microns thick) will be added to the battery.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foil
Verb
Saladita La Ventana specializes in everything from kiteboarding and wing foiling to parawinging and SUP.
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026
My plan got foiled when Ewers was promoted to starter for the final three games.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
That sensibility is countered by Dina’s, who plays the romantic foil to Liberty’s pessimist.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
To manage cold temperatures, an internal heating structure composed of a thin film of nickel foil (approximately 10 microns thick) will be added to the battery.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil
Verb
-
Games that are too easy bore older players, while overly complex games can frustrate younger ones.—
Clarissa Brincat,
Popular Science,
8 Jan. 2026
-
But while Coogan racked up millions of views for his YouTube explainers about political figures like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, he was frustrated by the hours of prep work that went into producing a single episode.—
Julia Black,
Vanity Fair,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Kennedy’s promise to minimize federal involvement in enforcing constitutional rights is in stark contrast to Trump’s vow to employ troops in response to purported high crime in multiple major cities, a claim those cities’ leaders have disputed.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Newer machines, by contrast, often use payout systems that tie claw strength to how much money has been fed into the game, meaning the claw only reaches full strength after the operator’s preset threshold is met.—
Anna Rahmanan,
thehustle.co,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Will Baltimore manage to thwart a Vikings rushing attack that gashed the Lions for 142 yards, cause McCarthy to assume a heavier load than Minnesota’s coaches would like and force the first-year starter into youthful mistakes?—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
But with the teams back to even strength a short time later, Kirill Kaprizov got loose in the middle of the offensive zone and made a rush to the net that was thwarted.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The coalition’s education drive complements the commission’s research by preparing the community to understand and support whatever proposals eventually emerge.—
J.M. Banks
November 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The dark chocolate hue complements most decor styles and is both trendy and timeless, plus the deep seat is supported with no-sag springs for better support.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As if dark energy weren't already mysterious and baffling enough, new research suggests that this unknown force may not be driving galaxies apart at an accelerating rate anymore.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Played for comic relief, he is baffled by this son of his who attends college and, more perplexing yet, is suddenly obsessed with Italy and cycling.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Karpushin likes marmalade at the bottom of a glass with Greek yogurt on top, but notes his company's marmalades also make gorgeous salad dressings or simple syrup supplements for cocktails.—
Amy Sherman,
Martha Stewart,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Most studies look at these supplements independently.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Nair’s career trajectory offers a counterpoint to conventional Hollywood success stories.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
-
This recipe combines the tangy delight with another star of the season, cranberry, for a dish that's a wonderful counterpoint to the holiday's rich, carb-heavy foods.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share