thwart

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb thwart differ from other similar words?

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

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than thwart?

The synonyms baffle and thwart are sometimes interchangeable, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When is it sensible to use balk instead of thwart?

The meanings of balk and thwart largely overlap; however, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

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

In what contexts can foil take the place of thwart?

In some situations, the words foil and thwart are roughly equivalent. However, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

When could frustrate be used to replace thwart?

The words frustrate and thwart are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

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 thwart Audrey Hepburn plays a blind woman who manages to thwart intruders by shutting off all the lights in her apartment. Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2025 Most of those aerial attacks were thwarted by Ukraine or otherwise failed, the air force said. Lilia Geho, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025 Evans said he wasn’t thwarted by the brand’s adoption among Robinson and other political figures because of their lowbrow tastes. Steve Salter, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025 Years ago, one of us was in the Bahamas chasing a typically uncooperative lizard across dense and narrow branches, frustrated that its nimble agility was thwarting efforts to catch it. James T. Stroud, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thwart
Verb
  • By the end of last season, Ancelotti was getting frustrated with how some of his stars were losing focus and not applying their talents to the benefit of collective success.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Since the four-day week started, Corbin said, she’s been frustrated that some of her children’s teachers have stopped sending homework, and that others have directed students to take the lead during parent-teacher conferences.
    Ilana Arougheti Updated October 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After the gargantuan task of playing a six-hour and 39-minute baseball game, it was almost expected that the Dodgers would be somewhat hampered, but the Toronto Blue Jays not only had the same circumstances, but handily won Game 4.
    Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Bush told PEOPLE that Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, have previously put on the party, but work commitments prevented Steinfeld from continuing the tradition.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Stronger muscles can reduce the stress and impact put on cartilage during daily activities, helping prevent further wear and tear.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Thwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thwart. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on thwart

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!