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

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

But in the third, the Thunder returned the favor, spearheaded by their relentless defensive stalwart who channels the physicality and grittiness of Dyson Daniels and Dillon Brooks, two players who have foiled the Knicks’ offensive plans this season. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2025 But a letter that detailed the plot was found in a trash can by a guard and the plan was foiled. —

Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024

Noun

Remove foil and continue baking until top is pale golden brown, about 30 minutes longer. —

Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 31 Dec. 2024 But his most valuable foil, Fidel Castro, is dead, replaced by a new wave of unintimidated citizens determined to oust him as a barrier to the city’s maturation. —

Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for foil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil

Verb

The most recent deadline extensions weren’t announced until the day before the vouchers were set to expire, which frustrated him.

— Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
And with all the investigative resources and research methods of academia, I have been frustrated by the death of expertise on social media platforms that value high-frequency reactions and often baseless punditry—not rigor.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025