BAFFLED Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

baffled 1 of 2

adjective

ˈba-fəld

Definition of baffled

as in perplexed

faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do baffled viewers didn't know what to make of the strange antics of the talk show host

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

baffled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of baffle

as in frustrated

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in puzzled

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

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 baffled

Adjective

The admission prompted baffled comments from a veteran federal judge. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026 The Sooners’ uncanny postseason successes leave many baffled. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Verb

Meanwhile, a dangerous new threat has emerged in the city, and Peter is baffled over how to stop it. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The closure of the Dome and ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood has been painful for both locals and industry creatives, leaving countless baffled that powerbrokers in town have not found a way to open the doors again. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffled

Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffled

Adjective

View this post on Instagram Many commenters were perplexed to see new content from Hilton’s account pop up.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Guides for the aesthetically perplexed have lost their meaning.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of perplexed

Verb

She was specifically frustrated with Sol claiming Bryce pulled Kayda for a chat four or five times in the villa, despite being coupled up with Trinity.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
As a sports bettor, there are a lot of people frustrated by these two teams and pitchers from this season as the Giants take on the Pirates.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of frustrated

Verb

We have been puzzled, even exasperated at times, by the Heat’s level of patience with its roster over the past two seasons, particularly last year.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
However, the largest drop in June occurred among prime-age workers, leaving several economists puzzled and surprised.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of puzzled

Verb

Efforts to prevent famine have been hampered by the January decision of the United States, once Somalia's largest donor, to freeze nearly all of the country's humanitarian aid.

— Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
The Panthers’ third-round pick from two years ago had fought through two difficult seasons hampered by injury.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of hampered

Verb

However, comments Titi and KC made on their Aftersun episode after being dumped from the villa left Aniya confused about where their dynamic stood.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
But getting to these moments means being okay with being confused, and that’s because season 2 really ratchets up the complexity primarily by introducing a whole bunch of new characters, most of whom are variants of existing ones.

— Andrew Webster, The Verge, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of confused

Browse Nearby Words

baffle

baffled

bafflegab

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Baffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffled. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of baffled

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes