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

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

Relevance

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.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

Example 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

Ghost Rider wound up in the Smithsonian’s collection anyway, a monument to grand ambition foiled by user error. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The terrorist plot was foiled after an FBI informant supplied the suspect with an AK-47 rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026

Noun

Cut a piece of foil big enough to cover breast and mold over breast. — Alton Brown, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2026 According to McCabe, colorists may use foils alongside techniques such as back-combing to create a softer result. — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil

Verb

Some of his closest Middle East advisers, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, had grown frustrated with the Israeli leader.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Luka Doncic’s nonstop arguments with officials and trash talk may frustrate opponents, but his theatrical edge is part of what makes the Lakers star so compelling.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

Well, on Monday, Overshown put those doubts to rest by tying for the team lead with six tackles and recording a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter to thwart a Philadelphia comeback attempt.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
This bipartisanship on attitudes about AI and data centers appears also to show up in alliances on the ground and, in some cases, in new organizations with a focus on thwarting data centers.

— Barbara A. Trish, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of thwart

Noun

Looking a bit further down the line, Capsum hopes to move into producing nutraceuticals and other supplements.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Hwang also cautions against turning to quick fixes found online, such as supplements and restrictive diets.

— Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of supplement

Verb

Ukrainian officials said the restrictions hampered ⁠the military’s ability to intercept Russian attack ⁠drones and forced the cancellation of some operations.

— Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
The officials said the restrictions were disrupting high-speed military drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian attacks and conduct operations along the front line.

— Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of hamper

Noun

Their rugged shape acts as a welcome counterpoint, toughening up outfits with a particular cool girl edge.

— Nuria Luis, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
The painstaking process that goes into making a Laika film offers a distinct counterpoint to the instant progress promised by generative AI tools.

— Andrew Webster, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of counterpoint

Browse Nearby Words

foibles

foil

foiled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of foil

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on foil

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes