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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.

It’s nice to see them together, even if Campbell and Cox have always played their characters as foils on two different wavelengths.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 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

Wielding their harmless foils, Hamlet and Laertes thrust and feinted with a mortal seriousness.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein