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
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Recent Examples of foils
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026
Even San Francisco, long known for its tolerant drug laws, recently rolled back a program that distributed foils and pipes in an effort to encourage smoking over injection.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026
The metal could appear in oversized zippers, shiny buttons, bold belt buckles or as metallic coatings and foils.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Jan. 2026
Banks created this look by topping a black polish with colorful, holographic foils.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
But in addition to their function as comedic foils, the duo also help reinforce the show’s message that friendship is another infinite resource that helps pull us through the toughest moments of our lives.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
New Atlas has previously reported on fast, inexpensive direct lithium extraction that could prevent supply crises, and a super-fast robotic system for dismantling EV batteries to extract lithium, cobalt, and metal foils.
—New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
In giving each of its characters new foils, the unreality of the show finally takes off.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
The potential face-to-face could represent a detente for the Republican president and Democratic political star, who have cast each other as political foils.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025
Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Few passengers can show original receipts, which foils their claim.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
So give a warm welcome to The Life of a Showgirl, Swift’s 12th studio album, which foils The Tortured Poets Department in a few major ways.
—Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
The Australian shipyard just announced that the 100-foot Palm Beach XI has flown across the water using radical new C-foils (curved foils).
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026
Even San Francisco, long known for its tolerant drug laws, recently rolled back a program that distributed foils and pipes in an effort to encourage smoking over injection.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026
The metal could appear in oversized zippers, shiny buttons, bold belt buckles or as metallic coatings and foils.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Jan. 2026
Banks created this look by topping a black polish with colorful, holographic foils.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
But in addition to their function as comedic foils, the duo also help reinforce the show’s message that friendship is another infinite resource that helps pull us through the toughest moments of our lives.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
New Atlas has previously reported on fast, inexpensive direct lithium extraction that could prevent supply crises, and a super-fast robotic system for dismantling EV batteries to extract lithium, cobalt, and metal foils.
—New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
In giving each of its characters new foils, the unreality of the show finally takes off.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
The potential face-to-face could represent a detente for the Republican president and Democratic political star, who have cast each other as political foils.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025
Verb
At their elite school the students play a game like soccer during which the boys have the ball, but the witches can interfere by using their powers to make the field icy or create a wind that foils the opposition team.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026
Few passengers can show original receipts, which foils their claim.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
So give a warm welcome to The Life of a Showgirl, Swift’s 12th studio album, which foils The Tortured Poets Department in a few major ways.
—Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foils
Verb
-
Tennessee law, the judge explained, thus still frustrates a core goal of the CEA—uniform regulation of the derivatives market.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Attending the esports-style SCC in London, The Athletic saw exactly how Nakamura frustrates some chess fans but helps make new ones.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Not as replacements for their beloved 18-inch originals, mind you, but more like complements to them.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Two, single and double bed shelter placements, mental health care, and job training are essential complements to long term supportive housing.—
Norman Siegel,
New York Daily News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Unless her future self thwarts the plan, Steiner will mail a copy of Empty Chair to her estranged relative in hopes of reconciliation.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
29 Jan. 2026
-
But critics say too much state overreach ignores the distinct needs of different communities and thwarts local innovation.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
19 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Some data suggest that multivitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 or fish oil supplements can help fill nutrient gaps while taking GLP-1s, and that protein and creatine supplementation may help preserve lean mass and build muscle strength during weight loss.—
Lauren Manaker,
SELF,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The study supplements and placebos were provided by Haleon, formerly Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, who partially funded the research, the study disclosed.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Mount predator baffles and guards to the pole or tree during installation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The continued controversy over the Bad Bunny Super Bowl performance baffles me.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Learning from losing Anthony Edwards is stealing the superpowers of whoever defeats him.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The only defeats the Raiders have this year were at the prestigious Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas just before Christmas, the second out-of-state trip the team took in December following a weekend jaunt to Arizona for a couple of games earlier in the month.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foils. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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