FRUSTRATE Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of frustrate are baffle , balk , foil , and thwart . While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent. // frustrated attempts at government reform

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

The words baffle and frustrate can be used in similar contexts, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling. // baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

Q: When could 'balk' be used to replace 'frustrate'?

In some situations, the words balk and frustrate are roughly equivalent. However, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances. // officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Q: When might 'foil' be a better fit than 'frustrate'?

The words foil and frustrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort. // foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Q: In what contexts can 'thwart' take the place of 'frustrate'?

The meanings of thwart and frustrate largely overlap; however, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing. // the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

frustrate

verb

ˈfrə-ˌstrāt

Definition of frustrate

as in to thwart

to prevent from achieving a goal a multitude of conflicting opinions frustrated me in my attempt to find a computer that best suits my needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of challenge the math student, but don't frustrate him or her with overly difficult problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb frustrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of frustrate are baffle, balk, foil, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than frustrate?

The words baffle and frustrate can be used in similar contexts, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When could balk be used to replace frustrate?

In some situations, the words balk and frustrate are roughly equivalent. However, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

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

When might foil be a better fit than frustrate?

The words foil and frustrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

In what contexts can thwart take the place of frustrate?

The meanings of thwart and frustrate largely overlap; however, 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 frustrate The developments frustrated the Ukrainian military and deepened fears that Kyiv's relationship with Washington is unraveling. — Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026 And he's frustrated by some of the progressive positions Democrats have staked out in recent years. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 Pratt’s appeal extended beyond traditional Republican voters, Smith said, drawing residents frustrated with the response to the fires, crime, homelessness, and city services. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026 Neither tells you whether the client is frustrated because the same problem has happened three times this month. — Adam Povlitz, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustrate

Verb

Scott McNutt of Robbinsville, New Jersey, argues that the ban, which was put in place to thwart tax evasion, is unconstitutional.

— Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, Katie’s out here trying to get people to vote for Michael at the roundtable in order to thwart Victor’s plans to get Tomica out.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of thwart

Verb

In its lawsuit, Arizona said ChatGPT encourages teens to share personal information with it and, at times, discourages them from sharing that information with parents, authorities or friends.

— Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Amid reports of a surge in federal immigration raids, Los Angeles leaders and immigration advocates said Friday that the efforts appear aimed at discouraging turnout in the midterm elections, and urged voters not to be intimidated.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

Capturing towns and roads would hamper Tigrayan fighters without necessarily securing the vast rural areas where the rebel forces regrouped during the previous war, Taylor said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Otherwise, the chemicals can react against each other and hamper recyclability, or worse, release harmful byproducts into the environment.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of hamper

Verb

But Danny Niemela, a contractor at ArDan Construction, says that the process baffles him.

— Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026
Beyond being frustrated with the secrecy, locals said they were baffled by the lack of specifics and clarity the stakeholders had about the project, per the records.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of baffle

Verb

And warming temperatures are hindering their ability to perform essential functions.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Royce Moser, 18, is facing charges including murder, while his mother, 56-year-old Rachel Moser, is facing charges including hindering apprehension of a fugitive, according to court records.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of hinder

Verb

Past popes have written letters of resignation in case of a severe illness or medical emergency that impedes them from carrying out their duties.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Attorney General Blanche has instructed the Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies and practices that facilitate violations of federal law or impede lawful federal operations, the department said.

— Eric Henderson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of impede

Verb

Kenyan President William Ruto said in 2023 that government agencies should have been able to prevent the deaths.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The titanium frame will naturally handle all kinds of impact, and the flashlight's battery chamber is sealed to prevent water damage.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevent

Browse Nearby Words

frumpy

frustrate

frustrated

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“Frustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustrate. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of frustrate

verb

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