Find Antonyms

afoul Antonyms

Opposite of afoul

Because the opposite of afoul shifts with each meaning, the antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• adverb (Context 1)

Into conflict, difficulty, or entanglement (most commonly used in the phrase "run afoul of").

Usage Example

"Many early journalists ran clear of government censors when they published critical editorials."

Strong
clear
harmoniously

• adjective (Context 2)

In a state of conflict, violation, or entanglement, especially with laws, rules, or authority (used only predicatively).

Usage Example

"The small business found itself clear of the new environmental regulations after failing to file the updated paperwork."

Strong
clear
compliant

• adverb (Context 3)

Into a physical collision or tangled state, especially of ships, cables, or rigging.

Usage Example

"During the heavy gale, the fishing trawler drifted clear of the harbor buoy and damaged its hull."

Strongest
clear
Strong
free

Similar words to afoul

Words similar to afoul shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

entangled
at odds
ensnared
amiss
embroiled
athwart
awry
astray
See all synonyms of afoul

• Nearby Words

aforementioned
aforesaid
aforethought
afoul
afraid
aft
after

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Afoul. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/afoul
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.