BAFFLE Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'baffle' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of baffle are balk , foil , frustrate , and thwart . While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling. // baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

Q: When would 'balk' be a good substitute for 'baffle'?

While in some cases nearly identical to baffle , balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances. // officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Q: When can 'foil' be used instead of 'baffle'?

Although the words foil and baffle have much in common, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort. // foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Q: Where would 'frustrate' be a reasonable alternative to 'baffle'?

The synonyms frustrate and baffle are sometimes interchangeable, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent. // frustrated attempts at government reform

Q: When is 'thwart' a more appropriate choice than 'baffle'?

The words thwart and baffle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing. // the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

baffle 1 of 2

verb

ˈba-fəl

Definition of baffle

as in to frustrate

to prevent from achieving a goal the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to perplex

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty she was baffled by the wording of the clause in the insurance policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

baffle

2 of 2

noun

as in fender

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb baffle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of baffle are balk, foil, frustrate, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When would balk be a good substitute for baffle?

While in some cases nearly identical to baffle, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

When can foil be used instead of baffle?

Although the words foil and baffle have much in common, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Where would frustrate be a reasonable alternative to baffle?

The synonyms frustrate and baffle are sometimes interchangeable, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is thwart a more appropriate choice than baffle?

The words thwart and baffle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of baffle

Verb

Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026 Some Broward commissioners said they are baffled as to why statewide prosecutors would be concerned about the county contracts or their desire to save money by cutting ties with the Sheriff’s Office. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Noun

In past years, Maplewood has added noise-deadening baffles and a sound-deflecting berm to the site. — Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 12 May 2026 Its other features include an adjustable hood and hem and generously sized baffle pockets. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffle

Verb

Since then, Qatar has been frustrated by allegations leveled by Israeli political leaders that its payments to Gaza had helped finance the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Wright acknowledged that people are frustrated with the additional costs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

At Telluride, Fielder, who had initially planned to stay behind the scenes, admitted he was still perplexed by the couple’s openness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
They were perplexed at first, flummoxed, but pleasant, and unfortunately for them, already long gone from the airport.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of perplex

Noun

An employee at the rental dealership also said there were no hard feelings following the fender-bender.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
The 4×4 has also been equipped with a bold body kit that includes a more aggressive front fascia, hood scoop, and even larger fender flares.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of fender

Verb

Many Eagles players were concerned and bewildered by the development.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Latif is conflicted by his double life, bewildered by his doubling of parental responsibilities, constantly trying to think two moves ahead yet always ending up three steps behind.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of bewilder

Noun

The young man who bonds with the ghost of his a–hole father while trapped in a gooey cushion of whale intestines stays with the ghost of his a–hole father.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
In an ornate Italian Renaissance-style room, participants sit scattered across couches and cushions, cross-legged with their eyes closed.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of cushion

Noun

Growing up in Birmingham in the Nick Saban era made the pain of each loss worse, as the Crimson Tide was plastered over every bumper and yard sign and half of the shirts of my classmates.

— Austin Evans, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026
Also, passenger road vehicles use safety features like steel bumpers and crumple zones to absorb impact forces during collisions.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bumper

Verb

To read her book is to be reminded that childhood can be a puzzling passage for anyone, even in an ostensibly simpler time and place.

— Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026
That the Houthis are able to score hits from 500 miles away, despite the Saudi military spending tens of billions of dollars on multi-layered air defense systems, has puzzled experts.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of puzzle

Browse Nearby Words

badness

baffle

baffled

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“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of baffle

verb

noun

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