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
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Recent Examples of foils
Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026
The company, which is best known for its jetboards and e-foils, just unveiled a new model called the Navi at this year’s Boot Düsseldorf convention.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 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
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 company, which is best known for its jetboards and e-foils, just unveiled a new model called the Navi at this year’s Boot Düsseldorf convention.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 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
-
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
-
Usually the offseason frustrates me.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The beds’ design complements the trim on the garden shed, which is surrounded by colorful flowers.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The nutty flavor is mild and complements yogurt, smoothies and salads.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 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
-
Even on a good day, these avenues don’t provide everything people need, like hot meals, vitamins, and meal supplements.—
Annemarie Dooling,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Yet compounding pharmacies have continued to produce GLP-1 drugs by creating custom versions that contain certain additives and supplements.—
Lauren J. Young,
Scientific American,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The complaint argues that Harvard’s failure to provide records violates a material term of its federal financial assistance and hampers the government’s ability to complete its review.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Patagonia’s proprietary synthetic fill imitates down’s structure by spinning air-trapping microfilaments around a central fiber and requires fewer stabilizing seams and baffles than down.—
Kelly Bastone,
Outside,
10 Feb. 2026
-
That said, the Recording Academy never goes too long without making a choice that baffles everybody, as when Jon Batiste beat Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift in 2022.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
South Carroll defeats Rising Sun in the Class 1A final during the 2026 MPSSAA Dual Wrestling State Championships at North Point High School on Saturday, Feb 14.—
Brian T. Krista,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Feb. 2026
-
If New England defeats the Seattle Seahawks, Vrabel will become the first person to ever win a Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach for the same franchise.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foils. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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