Synonyms of thwart

thwart

verb

ˈthwȯrt 

as in to frustrate

to prevent from achieving a goal

a coalition of grassroots organizations thwarted the company's efforts to get approval for a new power plant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrate
• hamper
• prevent
• baffle
• hinder
• defeat
• impede
• stop
• overcome
• foil
• balk
• halt
• beat
• obstruct
• inhibit
• discomfit
• checkmate
• preclude
• forestall
• block
• avert
• obviate
• nullify
• arrest
• interfere (with)
• neutralize
• counteract
• encumber
• hobble
• hold back
• set back
• tie up
• clog
• handicap
• stall
• check
• conquer
• negate
• offset
• bar
• shackle
• short-circuit
• fetter
• trammel
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• promote
• encourage
• forward
• assist
• advance
• foster
• cultivate
• further
• aid
• facilitate
• nurture
• abet
• ease
• smooth

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

Recent Examples of thwart

From crashing a friend's luau to searching for the sweetest spot to take a nap, avoiding work quickly spirals into thwarting surreal disasters…in the most hilarious and entertaining of ways. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Sam Houston comeback thwarts Irving Arlington Sam Houston scored three unanswered goals after trailing 2-0 in the first half against Irving on Friday night. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026

By then, Vokietaitis’ yips had taken on a life of their own and as the Cougars were boring in to foul him intentionally and place him back on that torture chamber that was thinly disguised as a free-throw line, Miller signaled for the timeout to thwart the season's first Hack-a-Matas. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been taking steps to thwart news coverage of the Pentagon for more than a year. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026

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