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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in frustrated
to prevent from achieving a goal
the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzled
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
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
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Surrounding the headliners are grumpy arena security, who spend the night wearing baffled expressions watching a sea of adults cheer and laugh and applaud over imaginary characters engaged in battles no one can actually see, and rolls of acrylic dice just 16 millimeters in size.
—Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
Now, a development that once baffled educators and administrators is ready to go mainstream.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
Other stories explore similar themes in equally bizarre situations: In 1880s London, a very suave Joseph Merrick, aka The Elephant Man, flirts shamelessly with the smitten wife of his very baffled doctor (Goldsberry and Kind, respectively).
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2024
The development sent House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican members scrambling to come up with a new proposal and baffled senators on both sides of the aisle.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
The most interesting aspect that came out of that time with him — besides a green light to make the movie — was that Bob also was a little baffled about the events that went down in the course of our movie.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Murphy made the remark during an interview with WNYC as the public and lawmakers remain baffled over the source of the large drones.
—Greg Norman, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
The Beatles themselves can only offer bemused waves and baffled chuckles.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Chasing perfection this offseason required Webb to tweak the pitch that, ironically, most baffled hitters.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Surrounding the headliners are grumpy arena security, who spend the night wearing baffled expressions watching a sea of adults cheer and laugh and applaud over imaginary characters engaged in battles no one can actually see, and rolls of acrylic dice just 16 millimeters in size.
—Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
Now, a development that once baffled educators and administrators is ready to go mainstream.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
Other stories explore similar themes in equally bizarre situations: In 1880s London, a very suave Joseph Merrick, aka The Elephant Man, flirts shamelessly with the smitten wife of his very baffled doctor (Goldsberry and Kind, respectively).
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2024
The development sent House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican members scrambling to come up with a new proposal and baffled senators on both sides of the aisle.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
The most interesting aspect that came out of that time with him — besides a green light to make the movie — was that Bob also was a little baffled about the events that went down in the course of our movie.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Murphy made the remark during an interview with WNYC as the public and lawmakers remain baffled over the source of the large drones.
—Greg Norman, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
The Beatles themselves can only offer bemused waves and baffled chuckles.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffled
Adjective
-
Ellie seemed perplexed when she was told by police that her father was missing.—
Lauren A. White,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2025
-
This was followed by a photo of Bronze, who was also wearing Crocs, holding another fish on the end of a line and looking a little perplexed.—
Kirsty Hatcher,
People.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The outspoken owner wants to win and seems to be frustrated at the state of his team.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Showing up to the Walz event was May Dehaan’s way of trying to get Nunn to notice that his constituents are frustrated.—
HANNAH FINGERHUT,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Apart from the odd bewildered tourist or local going about their day, the vast majority of people in the carriage were heading to what most regarded as a ‘must-win’ match at home to Everton and the vibe, like the team’s results in 2025, was mixed.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Every lap felt like a mind-numbing carousel ride through car exhaust and past bewildered pedestrians, while inhaling burrito-scented air.—
Marley Dickinson,
Outside Online,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Baffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffled. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share