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
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
The new candy in the brand's iconic shape features white chocolate creme blended with crunchy cookie pieces wrapped in seasonal foils.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
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 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
The new candy in the brand's iconic shape features white chocolate creme blended with crunchy cookie pieces wrapped in seasonal foils.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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
-
His fervor for society pleases his mother Violet (Ruth Gemmell), but also frustrates her to the point of squeezing Penelope for information.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
-
That just frustrates me incredibly.—
Angus Chen,
STAT,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The nutty flavor is mild and complements yogurt, smoothies and salads.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Traditional outdoor TVs, with thick bezels and industrial housings, often disrupt that balance, becoming visual anchors rather than complements.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But critics say too much state overreach ignores the distinct needs of different communities and thwarts local innovation.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Impeding disclosure thwarts the very premise of public markets — that transparency fuels efficiency, competition, innovation, and trust.—
Andrew Behar,
Fortune,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
There are also a near-infinite number of supplements that claim to boost immune function.—
Outside,
Outside,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Persistent fatigue or lack of energy affects as many as 45% of people in the United States, making energy supplements a popular source for relief.—
Megan Nunn,
Verywell Health,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Read the Story US airlines are still paring back flights as a deep freeze hampers the restart of operations at some major hubs.—
Jordan Erb,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Given his extensive wilderness experience, Pachak’s disappearance baffles those closest to him.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Richard Raffalow Valley Glen Navy defeats Cincinnati 35-13 in the Liberty Bowl and is ranked 22 in the latest AP poll.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Narrow defeats to a rejuvenated Milan and reigning champions Napoli were far easier to swallow, and a victory in Sardinia would have seen Roma stay within a point of the leading duo.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foils. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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