What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foil
Example
The police were able to foil the bank robbery by arriving on time. [foil: verb]
Example
She wrapped the sandwich in foil to keep it fresh. [foil: noun]
thwart
Example
The security measures thwarted the terrorist attack. [thwart: verb]
Example
He sat on the thwart and enjoyed the view of the river. [thwart: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foil is more commonly used than thwart in everyday language, especially in the context of preventing a plan or action from succeeding.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foil and thwart?
Thwart is more commonly used in formal writing or speech, while foil is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
