as in contrasts
something or someone that is different from another especially in a pleasing way
This cool, refreshing salad is the perfect foil for spicy foods.
Related Words
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Dissimilar Words
as in frustrates
to prevent from achieving a goal
in popular fiction the hero will always foil the villain's plans
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of foils
Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
But in addition to their function as comedic foils, the duo also help reinforce the show’s message that friendship is another infinite resource that helps pull us through the toughest moments of our lives.
—Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026
New Atlas has previously reported on fast, inexpensive direct lithium extraction that could prevent supply crises, and a super-fast robotic system for dismantling EV batteries to extract lithium, cobalt, and metal foils.
—New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025
In giving each of its characters new foils, the unreality of the show finally takes off.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025
The potential face-to-face could represent a detente for the Republican president and Democratic political star, who have cast each other as political foils.
—Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025
The shave was equally strong wet or dry, with the foils staying cool even after extended passes.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2025
The new candy in the brand's iconic shape features white chocolate creme blended with crunchy cookie pieces wrapped in seasonal foils.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
The party has used Mamdani as one of their main foils, attacking the democratic socialist for his previous views on defunding the police in addition to some of his proposals for higher taxes on the wealthy.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 7 Nov. 2025
Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
Banks created this look by topping a black polish with colorful, holographic foils.
—Verb
So give a warm welcome to The Life of a Showgirl, Swift’s 12th studio album, which foils The Tortured Poets Department in a few major ways.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for foils
Verb
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It’s been said that the filibuster empowers the minority and frustrates the majority.—
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This inconsistency frustrates drivers and reduces their confidence in public charging networks, further slowing EV adoption.—
Noun
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Economics teaches us that when a resource becomes cheap and abundant, the value shifts to its complements.—
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The team says that natural compounds with fewer side effects could offer alternatives or complements in future therapies.—
Verb
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But critics say too much state overreach ignores the distinct needs of different communities and thwarts local innovation.—
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Impeding disclosure thwarts the very premise of public markets — that transparency fuels efficiency, competition, innovation, and trust.—
Noun
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Why do these simple foods work better than high-tech supplements?—
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Garlic Supplements Garlic supplements are sometimes used to support heart health and immunity.—
Verb
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
Verb
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Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.—
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Given his extensive wilderness experience, Pachak’s disappearance baffles those closest to him.—
Verb
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However, this approach defeats the primary purpose of insurance, which is to protect against catastrophic costs in the event of an unexpected medical crisis.—
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Haynes defeats Hall in District 2 Shamaiye Haynes maintained a sizable lead over Juanrique Hall in District 2, which covers uptown and west Charlotte.—
Cite this Entry
“Foils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foils. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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