FOIL Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'foil' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foil are baffle , balk , frustrate , and thwart . While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort. // foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Q: When would 'baffle' be a good substitute for 'foil'?

The words baffle and foil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling. // baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

Q: When is 'balk' a more appropriate choice than 'foil'?

While the synonyms balk and foil are close in meaning, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances. // officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Q: In what contexts can 'frustrate' take the place of 'foil'?

While in some cases nearly identical to foil , frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent. // frustrated attempts at government reform

Q: When might 'thwart' be a better fit than 'foil'?

The synonyms thwart and foil are sometimes interchangeable, but thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing. // the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

foil 1 of 2

verb

ˈfȯi(-ə)l

Definition of foil next

as in to frustrate

to prevent from achieving a goal in popular fiction the hero will always foil the villain's plans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

foil

2 of 2

noun

as in contrast

something or someone that is different from another especially in a pleasing way This cool, refreshing salad is the perfect foil for spicy foods.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb foil differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foil are baffle, balk, frustrate, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

When would baffle be a good substitute for foil?

The words baffle and foil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When is balk a more appropriate choice than foil?

While the synonyms balk and foil are close in meaning, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

In what contexts can frustrate take the place of foil?

While in some cases nearly identical to foil, frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When might thwart be a better fit than foil?

The synonyms thwart and foil are sometimes interchangeable, but thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of foil

Verb

His plan was nearly foiled by Canadian border patrol agents who were suspicious of his not having a driver's license, which had been ditched in his wallet in the lake. —

David K. Li, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 The attack was foiled when a Secret Service agent spotted a firearm protruding from the bushes. —

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Noun

Avoid glitter and foil, and look for cards that are labelled as recyclable. —

Verity Burns, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024 Remove the chicken and veggies from the pot and cover them with foil to keep warm. —

Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil

Verb

Many of those listening were members of the African National Congress, the long-governing party that had just suffered stinging losses at the polls, a rebuke from voters frustrated by corruption and mismanagement after three decades of the A.N.C. being in charge.

Lynsey Chutel, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
This frustrates users, who watch Apple’s everyone, everywhere updates with some envy.

Zak Doffman, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025