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foils

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 run-around 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.

Soon, a systems malfunction foils the team’s surveillance of their targeted compound.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Wall Street bankers once made for perfect foils in popular culture.

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025

Around the world, strongmen have chosen cities as foils to consolidate power.

From Slate • Aug. 25, 2025

James Finlayson failed to make it as a lead man in Holywood but became one of the most memorable comic foils ever to grace the silver screen.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2025

“The desert foils men’s hearts with visions,” the camel driver answered.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho