baffle 1 of 2

baffle

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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
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
Appearing on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Columbus said he was somewhat baffled by the HBO TV series remake, which is currently shooting in the UK. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025 One case that still baffles is the macabre story of Virginia McCullough, who killed her parents for their money – and then lived with their bodies for four years. Kc Baker, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for baffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffle
Verb
  • The more time went on, the more Mourinho grew visibly frustrated with his role at United.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • What's Next The government faces steep socioeconomic and cultural headwinds that have frustrated other nations, and whether ending the two-child policy will make a significant difference on the trend remains uncertain.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many historians have been perplexed by how such a seemingly simple man as Shakespeare could have written works of such grandeur and depth.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Norman is perplexed by shootings like this.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Frame eyelets for mounting racks and fenders are certainly a desirable feature, although their absence isn't necessarily a dealbreaker.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Wing-like daytime running lights run from the fenders inboard above slim headlights.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And aren’t our real-life romantic complications bewildering enough?
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Its ginormous investments in higher-value, tech-heavy sectors from smartphones to autos to semiconductors to biotechnology are disrupting the global landscape at bewildering speed.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Five different Blue Jays launched balls over the outfield wall to slash the Reds’ lead and build a cushion.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The Lift-Off is significantly more comfortable to sit on, and the cushions are quite wide, easily fitting both of us and one to two guests without cramming.
    Emily Hein, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This decision could confuse your friends.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The season ended with the two attending a sleepover at Cody's house after his mom confused Beavis and Butt-Head with her son's friends.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At Cedar Creek Park, there will be a variety of family-friendly entertainment that includes bounce houses, a live mermaid, baby kangaroos, bumper boats and a petting zoo.
    Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Now, tennis is built for players with straight-up speed and the ability to switch direction like pinballs bouncing off bumpers.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After getting entangled in a puzzling murder, the two go on the run to solve the case while also trying to piece their relationship back together.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This mystery puzzled scientists because ice was not supposed to behave like that.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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