BAFFLE Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

baffle 1 of 2

verb

ˈba-fəl

Definition of baffle

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

baffle

2 of 2

noun

as in fender

Related Words

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

Her home isn’t in the highway’s path, but she was still baffled by council’s decision. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026 Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

Noun

In past years, Maplewood has added noise-deadening baffles and a sound-deflecting berm to the site. — Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 12 May 2026 Its other features include an adjustable hood and hem and generously sized baffle pockets. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffle

Verb

Some of his closest Middle East advisers, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, had grown frustrated with the Israeli leader.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Luka Doncic’s nonstop arguments with officials and trash talk may frustrate opponents, but his theatrical edge is part of what makes the Lakers star so compelling.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

At Telluride, Fielder, who had initially planned to stay behind the scenes, admitted he was still perplexed by the couple’s openness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
They were perplexed at first, flummoxed, but pleasant, and unfortunately for them, already long gone from the airport.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of perplex

Noun

The challenge for Slate will be getting consistent build quality with minimal panel gaps, watertight seals, consistent door-to-fender transitions, and hood/frunk alignment.

— Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
A lot of the components, like the front fender, underbody paneling, rear wing, and side panels, are made from carbon fiber.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of fender

Verb

Many Eagles players were concerned and bewildered by the development.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Latif is conflicted by his double life, bewildered by his doubling of parental responsibilities, constantly trying to think two moves ahead yet always ending up three steps behind.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of bewilder

Verb

But the other Sullivan has said the decision to run was his own and denied his candidacy was intended to confuse voters or siphon votes in Republican Sullivan's tight race against Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman.

— Willem Marx, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Christina Applegate’s recent revelation that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis is raising questions about how the disease can be confused with other conditions even after years of treatment.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of confuse

Noun

Growing up in Birmingham in the Nick Saban era made the pain of each loss worse, as the Crimson Tide was plastered over every bumper and yard sign and half of the shirts of my classmates.

— Austin Evans, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026
Also, passenger road vehicles use safety features like steel bumpers and crumple zones to absorb impact forces during collisions.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bumper

Verb

Researchers are still puzzling through what happened to the ancient Maya civilization, which mysteriously dwindled.

— Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
To read her book is to be reminded that childhood can be a puzzling passage for anyone, even in an ostensibly simpler time and place.

— Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of puzzle

Browse Nearby Words

badness

baffle

baffled

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“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of baffle

verb

noun

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