as in frustrated
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
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 foiled
Then in 2022, Iran paid two members of an Eastern European criminal syndicate to kill the Iranian dissident and journalist Masih Alinejad at her home in Brooklyn; this attack was also foiled.
—
Colin P. Clarke, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
The other three, one in Clinton, and two in Kenosha, were foiled.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026
The plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
However, Paxton has struggled to enforce the Texas court’s ruling against the out-of-state doctor, foiled so far by New York’s shield law.
—Emily Brindley
health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foiled
Colin P. Clarke, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
The other three, one in Clinton, and two in Kenosha, were foiled.
—Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026
The plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
However, Paxton has struggled to enforce the Texas court’s ruling against the out-of-state doctor, foiled so far by New York’s shield law.
—Emily Brindley
health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foiled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foiled
Verb
-
The San Jose Unified School District board voted Thursday night to shut down five elementary schools and relocate another at the end of the current school year, a decision that has left many parents and students frustrated and scrambling to adjust.—
Da Lin,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Americans are burned-out, frustrated, and hunting for scapegoats.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Enrique Iglesias appeared as a cruel Emperor whose plans were thwarted by the musical warriors.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Both remind me of Ray’s leads, who sense that they’re being thwarted or not meeting expectations, but seem unable or unwilling to resolve anything.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
His ability to hold runners has hampered him.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Jospin never embraced his role as a public figure, hampered by a restrained personality that grew even stiffer in front of cameras.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
No one, not even Jason — who is baffled at the galley’s sudden collapse — is more surprised at Ellie’s outburst than Ben.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
-
On Sunday, Roan responded on Instagram, seemingly baffled by the swirling controversy.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The women carried their burden with grace and defeated Notre Dame.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Adam Sykora broke a scoreless tie early in the third period and Igor Shesterkin made 27 saves and the New York Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Sunday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foiled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foiled. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
