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
The owner shared a video of the car veering left, a video that has Tesla examiner’s baffled. Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 The issue has baffled users and raised concerns about the reliability of the tool that's been integrated into workplaces, schools, and government offices across the globe. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 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
  • Musk was reportedly frustrated about OpenAI being part of the deal and allegedly warned G42 officials on a call that Trump would not sign off on a deal unless his company xAI was included.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • His Democratic Party predecessor, Moon Jae-in, had three years with a near supermajority in the legislature but had his agenda frustrated by party colleagues with little appetite for painful corrective measures.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • There was one final thing that left St John perplexed.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • The results achieved statistical significance in one part of the analysis but not in others, perplexing outside experts.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The truck struck Hopkins, whose motorcycle became lodged in the truck’s fender, Easter said.
    Christian Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The Icons Collection medallion is mounted on the rear fender, while each bike's unique serial number is engraved on a commemorative tank console inlay.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Babb acknowledged that the team was bewildered at the stunning turn of events.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025
  • They were bewildered for me, and so was all the other staff.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Following her death, CDC officials confirmed in the report that Naegleria fowleri was found in the woman’s cerebrospinal fluid, which the Cleveland Clinic says is a clear and colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and acts as a protective cushion and provides nutrients.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • Additional features with the DT 990 PRO X include soft velour ear cushions and an ergonomically padded headband to alleviate pressure on top of the listener’s head.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Elections and Certifications Don’t confuse a benefit or B corporation with a B Corp.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The measures are set to take effect on Monday and have left many Haitians confused.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Riders can accelerate and decelerate to regulate speed and the cars feature front and rear bumpers for inevitable low-speed run-ins.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • Fast, not scared to use his front bumper, don't care if somebody gets mad about it and on the verge of becoming a star.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Poland said he’s been puzzled by Kennedy’s statements, too.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • The revelation sparked many more comments from people admitting they would be puzzled about how to pronounce it.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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