baffling 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bafflingnext
as in perplexing

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baffling

2 of 3

noun

as in thwarting

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baffling

3 of 3

verb

present participle of baffle
1
as in frustrating
to prevent from achieving a goal the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference

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2
as in puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty she was baffled by the wording of the clause in the insurance policy

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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 baffling
Adjective
The stock market is back at all-time highs, a baffling ascent to many given just how much macroeconomic conditions have deteriorated lately — namely, in the rising price of oil and climbing Treasury yields. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 Even more baffling is that American Girl already includes age categories as a method for filtering books on its website. — Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
Those who knew me found this baffling. — ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026 That said, the good outweighs the baffling. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Illinois numbers, especially this year’s, are baffling experts. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 For more than four minutes Darnold drove downfield, connecting on three of four passes, baffling the pass rushers, bleeding the clock, and by the time the Seahawks finally gave the ball back, the Rams had only 25 seconds to live. — Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffling
  1. perplexing
  2. thwarting
  3. frustrating
  4. puzzling
  5. confusing
  6. frustration
  7. hampering
  8. bewildering
Adjective
  • More perplexing is the industry’s retreat despite evidence that diversity is in its economic interest.
    — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Not Kendall, nor Candle, but a third, even more perplexing name for a dog.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of perplexing
Noun
  • To simulate thwarting advances by enemy forces using the bridge, soldiers erected layers of barriers and rolled barbed wire.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The attack’s thwarting was an undeniable success.
    — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of thwarting
Verb
  • But Algo’s hyper-logical, computerised process of consistently picking the favourites to win was undone in the second match of the day, with Ghana frustrating England in a 0-0 draw.
    — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Definition of frustrating
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
  • This sort of puzzling connection between text and image is repeated throughout the exhibition.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of puzzling
Adjective
  • Colette, our winsome young narrator played by Sophia Anne Caruso, will soon go on to provide a bit of explanation that only makes things more confusing.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Here are the top 6 confusing things about El Niño, as relayed to CNN via meteorologists and climate scientists.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusing
Noun
  • Demonstrators expressed widespread frustration and anger at the government as gasoline, energy and food prices have spiked in recent months.
    — SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • That's despite voter frustration over high prices and the Iran war, and his own challenge of leading one of narrowest House majorities in modern times.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustration
Verb
  • Kyiv sees this as an attempt to pressure it into concessions by hampering its aerial defense and military operations.
    — David Hickey, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Virus-carrying midges are hampering deer season in South Dakota, where an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease has prompted South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to issue deer license refunds.
    — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of hampering
Verb
  • The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of bewildering

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Cite this Entry

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

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