Definitions

afoul

[uh-foul] / əˈfaʊl /

ADVERB

amiss

Synonyms

WEAK

afield badly erringly erroneously faultily improperly inappropriately incorrectly mistakenly out of turn unfavorably unsuitably

Antonyms

WEAK

good right well

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.

This judge had complete command of her courtroom and had no qualms about lambasting anyone who ran afoul of the rules.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

But some have run afoul of their duties.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

More recently, it ran afoul of Pokémon’s legions by cribbing that franchise’s signature font and imagery.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

They would be running afoul of sanctions if they transact with Iran.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The Reagan had run afoul of nuclear power’s thorniest problem: radioactive isotopes.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland