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
As the world changes around him, the conservative family man tries his best to be a good husband to Peggy (Kathy Najimy) and father to Bobby (Pamela Adlon), whose sensitivity and theatrics frequently baffle him. EW.com, 16 June 2025 Insiders are baffled at the White House’s decision to drastically cut USAID OIG’s work and then merge it with the State OIG, which focuses on investigating crimes committed through the department’s diplomatic network, sources said. Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 13 June 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
  • Retailers have sought to prevent theft without compromising the customer experience as traditional approaches such as locking up products can frustrate shoppers and have been found to lower sales.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • A number of Republicans are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of tariff deals from President Trump two weeks away from a July 8 deadline that could lead to the reinstating of heavy tariffs on imports from around the world.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
  • They’re perplexed by the new arrival in their midst, but in time Laura and the lonely, unforthcoming Max warm to each other, and the four form an odd, intuitive family unit.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The crossover’s carbon-fiber aero package, which includes bulbous fenders and a giant rear wing, is capable of creating up to 6,900 pounds of downforce at 150 mph and upwards of 12,000 pounds at 200 mph, according to Inside EVs.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
  • In this case, it's applied to the motorcycle fenders and fuel tank.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).
    Todd Longwell, Variety, 2 June 2025
  • Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The seat cushions are removable for cleaning, and the entire set can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 17 June 2025
  • The cabins that arc around the compound offered a different type of splendor, one where the red-and-white-striped picnic-blanket décor was repeated in the pool umbrellas and cushions, the awnings, and the throw blankets.
    Dinaw Mengestu, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.
    Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • On the roads out of Tehran to the west, traffic stood bumper to bumper.
    Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • The owner did all the modifications and even custom-fabricated the front bumper based on their own design.
    Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • But when their daughter Abby was born months later, the couple were both shocked and puzzled.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • And a slightly surreal, fantastical closing scene is puzzling and pretentious rather than provocative.
    Stephen Farber, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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