Definition of bafflednext
as in perplexed
faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do baffled viewers didn't know what to make of the strange antics of the talk show host

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

baffled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of baffle
1
2

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 baffled
Adjective
The Sooners’ uncanny postseason successes leave many baffled. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 The Young Man had never been more confused, conflicted, baffled. Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Verb
His mother, Ahmani Hicks, describes him as a kid who loved sports, and she's baffled as to why her son was targeted. Jermont Terry, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Known as the Galactic Center Excess, a spherical gamma-ray glow extending out for thousands of light-years from the core of our galaxy, this high-energy light has baffled researchers for over a decade. Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffled
Adjective
  • There were few international visitors, an absence that has perplexed business owners who banked on hundreds of thousands of new faces to patronize their establishments.
    Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • At the time, 95% of the folks working at our theater were either perplexed or disdainful of this project.
    Kelly Leonard, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Manny Machado was frustrated with questions from the start last night.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026
  • Reportedly, Meghan is frustrated that Harry keeps giving chances to his family to hurt him.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Gold not glittering As for gold, while the yellow metal has traditionally been sought out by kings and paupers throughout history alike, the anaemic gold price has puzzled experts.
    Lim Hui Jie,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • When Hilary Streever relayed the agents' message to David, he was puzzled.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Away from the bewildered rancher calling out in surprise, away from the Appaloosa.
    Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
  • Massachusetts State Police ushered thousands of bewildered attendees into the tunnel.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • India imports nearly 90% of its crude oil, so the war hampered vehicles that need gasoline and millions of homes and restaurants that need LPG.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
  • FireSat will help incident commanders get better information more quickly, and, unlike fire-spotting aircraft, the satellites can linger over a fire for days or weeks and aren’t hampered by high winds or smoke.
    Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • When major international events bring millions of visitors unfamiliar with local customs, leaving guests confused by unexpected pricing practices.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • An executive at the sneaker company Vans has issued an apology after a collaboration with the streetwear brand Fugazi was confused for a collaboration with the legendary — and legendarily anti-consumerist — punk band Fugazi.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • On the flip side, however, the USA could not get past the Round of 16, being outplayed and embarrassed by Belgium in a 4-1 defeat at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday night.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Practically speaking, shoes are an easier, less expensive and fraught acquisition than clothes (few people are embarrassed by their shoe size).
    Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Baffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffled. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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