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

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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.

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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

In 2022, internet infrastructure provider Cloudflare also said that the use of security keys had foiled a phishing attempt that tricked a few employees into entering their passwords into a fake login form. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 Miami’s first possession was foiled when Willis threw high and missed Bell, who was open. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Noun

Trump’s agenda, including immigration enforcement in the Chicago region, has been his main foil. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 For Gabriela Hearst’s display silver-color, foil-like adornments spotted a few foreheads. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foil

Verb

Since then, Qatar has been frustrated by allegations leveled by Israeli political leaders that its payments to Gaza had helped finance the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Wright acknowledged that people are frustrated with the additional costs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Noun

On its face, however, this inspirational message seems in sharp contrast to economic reality.

— Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
By contrast, the Jaguars’ game on Sunday against the Houston Texans in Wembley Stadium is operated by the team, not the NFL.

— Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of contrast

Verb

Scott McNutt of Robbinsville, New Jersey, argues that the ban, which was put in place to thwart tax evasion, is unconstitutional.

— Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, Katie’s out here trying to get people to vote for Michael at the roundtable in order to thwart Victor’s plans to get Tomica out.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of thwart

Verb

But Danny Niemela, a contractor at ArDan Construction, says that the process baffles him.

— Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026
Beyond being frustrated with the secrecy, locals said they were baffled by the lack of specifics and clarity the stakeholders had about the project, per the records.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of baffle

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

Capturing towns and roads would hamper Tigrayan fighters without necessarily securing the vast rural areas where the rebel forces regrouped during the previous war, Taylor said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Otherwise, the chemicals can react against each other and hamper recyclability, or worse, release harmful byproducts into the environment.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of hamper

Noun

The intercutting makes both thematic and artistic sense, as the director’s use of counterpoint gives the film a symphonic grandeur.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Before the constant stream of sarcastic Ultron commentary wears out its welcome around the series’ halfway point, the bad guy’s brevity is a nice counterpoint to all of the sentient ennui.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of counterpoint

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“Foil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foil. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of foil

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