as in frustrated
to prevent from achieving a goal
in popular fiction the hero will always foil the villain's plans
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Recent Examples of foiled
Stolz came in second, getting a silver medal in the 1500m — his hopes of winning four gold medals at these Winter Games foiled by a highly competitive field.
—
Pien Huang, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
When the compositions aren’t foiled, the chemicals break down the fabric even further, facilitating oxidation and the subsequent development of radiant green coats.
—Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the Balochistan government, said most of the attacks were foiled.
—Abdul Sattar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
After months of surveillance, their plot was foiled.
—Katrina Kaufman, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foiled
Pien Huang, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
When the compositions aren’t foiled, the chemicals break down the fabric even further, facilitating oxidation and the subsequent development of radiant green coats.
—Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the Balochistan government, said most of the attacks were foiled.
—Abdul Sattar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
After months of surveillance, their plot was foiled.
—Katrina Kaufman, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foiled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foiled
Verb
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The risk when one person holds the top job for decades is that talented executives who aspire to be CEO get frustrated and leave.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Brooke Armour, executive vice president at California Business Roundtable, said businesses are frustrated that the governor and the Legislature have not yet resolved the deficit.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Right was thwarted by the pandemic).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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He was thwarted by Sam two years ago, and Atterton has been desperate for revenge ever since, and has spent his time behind bars planning Sam’s downfall.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The journey is hampered by lack of money and other misfortunes, and it’s eventually interrupted by a gunshot, announcing the cantankerous presence of Tiga.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
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It has also been hampered by its own investors failing to back it, Semafor’s technology editor reported.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kachel said Vank’s signature moment so far with the Plainsmen came in the regular season finale last season, when Vank baffled Western Nebraska Community College with eight innings of shutout ball, scattering three hits while racking up 10 strikeouts.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
2 Mar. 2026
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Despite reading Whitney’s letter at least twice, Henry — a narcissist — seems baffled that Whitney is not more contrite.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sierra Canyon defeated Santa Margarita 72-60 behind 23 points and 10 rebounds from Brandon McCoy.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Jayson Tatum kick-started Boston with a strong first quarter in his second game back from Achilles surgery, and co-star Jaylen Brown flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as the Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 109-98 at Rocket Arena.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foiled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foiled. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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