Synonyms of baffle

baffle 1 of 2

verb

ˈba-fəl 

1

as in to frustrate

to prevent from achieving a goal

the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to perplex

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty

she was baffled by the wording of the clause in the insurance policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• perplex
• bewilder
• confuse
• puzzle
• befuddle
• mystify
• embarrass
• confound
• bemuse
• rattle
• flummox
• discombobulate
• vex
• stun
• disorient
• muddle
• disturb
• bother
• maze
• bamboozle
• fluster
• pose
• fuddle
• gravel
• addle
• upset
• befog
• fox
• muddy
• buffalo
• get
• unsettle
• beat
• blow one's mind
• stick
• disconcert
• stump
• agitate
• discomfit
• faze
• go to one's head
• nonplus
• deceive
• distress
• mislead
• mortify
• abash
• perturb
• trick
• discomfort
• unhinge
• fool
• delude
• weird out
• disquiet
• dismay
• discountenance
• beguile
• discompose
• chagrin
• hoodwink
• misguide
• humbug
• hoax
• gull
• snow
• dupe
• take in
• cozen
• string along

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assure
• satisfy
• inform
• reassure
• enlighten

baffle

2 of 2

noun

as in fender

Related Words

• fender
• cushion
• bumper
• buffer
• shield
• muffler
• cocoon
• pad
• cushioning
• padding
• safeguard
• barricade
• cordon

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

Recent Examples of baffle

Verb

There was debris on a plastic baffle plate inside the ice machine. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025

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

Noun

The Cardinals elected to hold on to Helsley coming into the year, a decision that baffled rival executives at the time. —Katie Woo, New York Times, 25 July 2025

In such expert moves that baffled even the great sages, your electric personality pronounced the imperialists’ doom. —Derek R. Peterson, The Conversation, 18 July 2025