foil

[foil] / fɔɪl /

NOUN

contrast

Synonyms

STRONG

antithesis background complement counterblow defense guard setting

VERB

circumvent, nip in the bud

Synonyms

STRONGEST

counter curb elude frustrate hinder nullify prevent thwart

STRONG

baffle balk beat bilk bollix buffalo check checkmate crab cramp crimp dash defeat disappoint disconcert ditch dodge duck faze juke outwit rattle restrain shake skip stop stymie

WEAK

foul up get around give the runaround give the slip hang up run circles around run rings around shake off shuffle off throw monkey wrench in upset the apple cart

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward help

STRONG

abet calm face inspirit liberate lose meet placate release soothe surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As a kid wandering the grocery store aisles with my mom, spotting the shiny green foil on the white O’Ryan’s boxes felt almost as exciting as presents from Santa on Christmas morning.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

When William comes to the throne, Harry will always be in the background, a foil, a potential distraction and a constant reminder of a regal brotherly duo that could have been.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

She points to how she recently contacted a manufacturer of aluminum foil because its product didn’t meet expectations.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

"Nigella completely, authentically, was a significant foil to that."

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

He tucks the foil wrapper in his pocket.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

foil

Example Sentences

Related Words