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afoul Synonyms

Another word for afoul

Choosing another word for afoul depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adverb (Context 1)

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

Usage Example

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

Strong
amiss
awry
Weak
astray

• 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 entangled of the new environmental regulations after failing to file the updated paperwork."

Strong
entangled
at odds
ensnared
embroiled

• 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 athwart of the harbor buoy and damaged its hull."

Strong
athwart

Opposites of afoul

The opposite of afoul shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

clear
free
compliant
harmoniously
See all opposites of afoul

• Nearby Words

aforementioned
aforesaid
aforethought
afoul
afraid
afresh
african daisy

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Afoul. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/afoul
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