baffling

adjective

baf·​fling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce baffling (audio)
: extremely confusing or difficult to understand
a baffling decision
found the directions utterly baffling
bafflingly adverb
a bafflingly complex explanation

Examples of baffling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From people’s unwillingness to buy health insurance for their pets, to the overspending, to the baffling moralizing on other people’s life choices in the face of a sick dog. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024 In an email to PEOPLE, Natchez Chief of Police Cal Green confirmed a list of facts regarding the baffling open case. Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024 Again, the Spider-Women part of this is the most baffling. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Allegri’s continual trust in Filip Kostic, a left-winger with only four assists in 23 league games, continues to be one of Allegri’s most baffling decisions. Emmet Gates, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 This detail, seemingly unnoticed by the painting’s subject, is baffling and bizarre—which is just what Breton had in mind. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024 So ending up rooting for the same side is a bit baffling. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024 Insufficient hooks in the bathroom—especially at beach destinations, spas, and wilderness lodges—is baffling. Jonathan Soroff, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2024 Offensive strategy for Zion Williamson This is baffling. Can’t understand how someone with Williamson’s size, strength, quickness and athleticism can go almost three quarters without getting a rebound. The Arizona Republic, 20 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'baffling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baffling was in 1783

Dictionary Entries Near baffling

Cite this Entry

“Baffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baffling. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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