baffle 1 of 2

baffle

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb baffle differ from other similar words?

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

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When would balk be a good substitute for baffle?

While in some cases nearly identical to baffle, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

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

When can foil be used instead of baffle?

Although the words foil and baffle have much in common, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Where would frustrate be a reasonable alternative to baffle?

The synonyms frustrate and baffle are sometimes interchangeable, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is thwart a more appropriate choice than baffle?

The words thwart and baffle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 baffle
Verb
And judging by the response, equal parts baffled and pleased, that was enough. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Two endangered whales are baffling researchers by continuing to show up along a stretch of U.S coast that is not part of their turf, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
The 3-inch down topper has a 750-fill power which is distributed evenly with a three-dimensional baffle box stitching and encased in a cotton sateen shell. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025 Make birdfeeders inaccessible, such as by using a baffle. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for baffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffle
Verb
  • What frustrates you most about navigating love in the digital age?
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Piastri and his camp, led by steely former F1 racer Mark Webber, were frustrated with Alpine’s slow progress towards his F1 graduation.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But there are differences that can leave college fans perplexed, like when productive and highly decorated players tumble down the draft board.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • This abrupt conclusion to their title reign left many fans perplexed, questioning the logic behind their initial victory.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The port's marine infrastructure is also being improved to support vessels with up to 5,500 passengers, including new mooring foundations, bollards, and fenders.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The coupe also features various other AMG touches on the outside, including the front fascia, fenders, mirror housings, bumper, and tailpipes.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Across the street, her husband Steve, who nursed Molly through her first fight with breast cancer a few years earlier, sits bewildered in the office of their couples therapist.
    Judy Berman, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Carlie thinks the whole thing is hilarious, and Chelsea remains bewildered by any King Cake Baby obsession.
    Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Without this cushion, even minor financial surprises can derail your budget and lead to debt accumulation.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Rachel Zhang, whose textile factory sells blankets and cushions to multiple retailers including Walmart, Costco and Target, told CNN that orders had been halted in early April.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Snakeheads are often confused with a native species—the bowfin—but anglers can tell them apart by looking at the anal fin, which is much longer on a snakehead.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Hippler said in the new order bringing more attention to it in opening statements and through expert testimony would add more time to the already lengthy trial and probably confuse the jury.
    Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • O’Neill Clubs are usually hesitant in handing out bumper contracts to attackers on the wrong side of thirty, and with good reason.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • With it, Jeep has taken a four-door Rubicon and chopped off the back half of the cabin to make the bed even bigger and added several pieces of custom hardware, including new front bumper and a roll bar with a four-light array.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • At one point, McKinstry retreated to the dugout frustrated after another puzzling at-bat.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Earlier this year, Gen Zers were puzzled by a classic millennial fashion staple: 6-inch high heels.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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