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
Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Shu Qi has spent her career embodying other people’s stories — enigmatic drifters for Hou Hsiao-hsien, comic foils in international action franchises, or, more recently, the tragic heroine of Bi Gan’s Cannes award winner Resurrection.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
Ask for soft, subtle highlights where they’d naturally be placed by the sun; depending on your natural base color, a gloss treatment might be more effective than foils.
—Jeanne Ballion, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
Sisters, in particular, influence the thoughts, opinions and actions of many of Austen’s heroines, acting as confidantes or foils.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
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
Noun
The Bennet daughters are at the center of the story, but readers also meet their friends, foils, and rivals.
—Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Shu Qi has spent her career embodying other people’s stories — enigmatic drifters for Hou Hsiao-hsien, comic foils in international action franchises, or, more recently, the tragic heroine of Bi Gan’s Cannes award winner Resurrection.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
Ask for soft, subtle highlights where they’d naturally be placed by the sun; depending on your natural base color, a gloss treatment might be more effective than foils.
—Jeanne Ballion, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
Sisters, in particular, influence the thoughts, opinions and actions of many of Austen’s heroines, acting as confidantes or foils.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foils
Verb
-
This is part of a business model that has worked for TCU’s regular-season record, but increasingly frustrates fans who want to see a decent matchup in September.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The sharp jump in investor activity is likely due to their financial strength, which can often combat the state’s legendary low affordability that frustrates the common house hunter.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Better yet, styling baggy jeans is effortless for fall, since the baggy fit complements the season’s oversized, layered look.—
India Roby,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Its warm, spicy flavor complements drinks like apple cider and baked goods like cookies, pumpkin pie, and sweet bread.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some studies show that calcium supplements may even help lower cholesterol.—
Jennifer Moll,
Verywell Health,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Magnesium supplements are available in various forms, including liquid, pill, powder, and gummy.—
Kirstyn Hill,
Health,
1 Oct. 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,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 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
-
See video … WATCH CHARLIE HURT – Shutting the government down defeats the whole purpose of the Democratic Party.—
,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Mighty Bhima, strongest of the Pandava brothers, defeats Duryodhana by breaking his thighs and crushing his genitals with his mace, literally hitting him below the belt.—
Seamus Sullivan
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foils. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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