as in contrasts
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
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Dissimilar Words
as in frustrates
to prevent from achieving a goal
in popular fiction the hero will always foil the villain's plans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of foils
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
But the refocus on Bobby allows the show to use father and son as foils for each other.
—Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025
After getting cut, Duggar's hair was sectioned off so the stylist could place her hair in foils to pull out the highlights.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Ultrathin foils of carbon materials have been used for decades in proton therapy to filter particles into high-precision beams meant to kill tumors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Aug. 2025
This really hopped into overdrive with the Phyrexia expansion, bringing new art styles and different types of foils to the forefront.
—Curtis Silver, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
The two men make for natural foils.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
But the refocus on Bobby allows the show to use father and son as foils for each other.
—Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025
After getting cut, Duggar's hair was sectioned off so the stylist could place her hair in foils to pull out the highlights.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Ultrathin foils of carbon materials have been used for decades in proton therapy to filter particles into high-precision beams meant to kill tumors.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Aug. 2025
This really hopped into overdrive with the Phyrexia expansion, bringing new art styles and different types of foils to the forefront.
—Curtis Silver, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foils
Verb
-
Use what frustrates or excites you as a clue.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
This imbalance frustrates Delhi but also underscores why cutting ties is not realistic.—
Spriha Srivastava,
CNBC,
28 Aug. 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
-
Rules that restrict entry, shape market structure, or favor complements can create more lasting advantage than direct government handouts.—
Paulo Carvão,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Antacids, iron or calcium supplements and some antidepressants can have the same effect.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
-
In general, experts suggest getting omega-3s through food rather than supplements.—
Brian Mastroianni,
Health,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
One case that still baffles is the macabre story of Virginia McCullough, who killed her parents for their money – and then lived with their bodies for four years.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Providing a narrow network or mail-order-only option defeats the purpose.—
Wendy Barnes,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Getting vaccinated too early defeats the purpose.—
Eileen Finan,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foils. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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