foils

Part of Speech:

All (2) Noun (1) Verb (1)

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contrast n.
circumvent, nip in the bud v.

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.

See Examples For:

foils

The classic lineup featuring Meadowlark Lemon and Hubert “Geese” Ausbie had tried and failed to beat their perennial foils: the Washington Generals, playing that night as the New Jersey Reds.

From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2026

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

Their method involved bombarding aluminum foils with alpha rays produced by their usual rudimentary source, a hunk of the inexpensive but vigorous alpha emitter polonium.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik