Foist

/fɔɪst/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant.
2. (transitive) To force another to accept especially by stealth or deceit; to stick.
3. (transitive) To pass off as genuine or worthy.
4. (historical slang) A thief or pickpocket.
5. (obsolete) A type of light and fast-sailing ship.
6. (obsolete) A cask for wine.
7. Fustiness; mustiness.
8. Pronunciation spelling of first.

Example Sentences

But apart from this, it is difficult for a man like Watt to tell a long story like Watt's without leaving out some things, and foisting in others.

the Tale of Zayn al-Asnám is one of two which Galland repudiated, as having been foisted into his 8th volume without his knowledge

attempts to foist alleged grammatical “correctness” on native speakers of an “incorrect” dialect are nothing but the unacknowledged and oppressive exercise of social control

I am, of course, perfectly aware of how old men try to foist on the public the decay of their intellects and all the rest of their senile shortcomings as valuable qualities, the possession of which gives them special authority.

It is only a decade or so since the air was thick with muttering that L.M.S. influence was far too strong on the newly-born Railway Executive and that too many L.M.S. practices were being foisted on the rest of the system.

foist costly and valueless products on the public

The foist had lately arrived form the country and was known to be doing a thriving trade in and around Westminster Hall where many country folk and others came to see lawyers.

These are mad boys, I tell you; these are things That will not strike their top-sails to a foist, / And let a man of war, an argosy, Hull and cry cockles.

Synonyms for foist

Antonyms for foist

Related Words

Word Forms

• foists
• foisting
• foisted

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions