Synonyms of baffles

baffles 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of baffle

1

as in frustrates

to prevent from achieving a goal

the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrates
• hampers
• thwarts
• hinders
• prevents
• foils
• balks
• impedes
• stops
• defeats
• discomfits
• beats
• overcomes
• obstructs
• blocks
• checkmates
• halts
• inhibits
• clogs
• handicaps
• precludes
• interferes (with)
• short-circuits
• obviates
• arrests
• ties up
• stalls
• encumbers
• checks
• bars
• negates
• hobbles
• nullifies
• holds back
• neutralizes
• forestalls
• averts
• fetters
• counteracts
• offsets
• shackles
• conquers
• sets back
• trammels
• manacles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourages
• promotes
• advances
• fosters
• furthers
• aids
• assists
• cultivates
• nurtures
• facilitates
• forwards
• eases
• abets
• smooths

2

as in perplexes

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty

she was baffled by the wording of the clause in the insurance policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• perplexes
• bewilders
• confuses
• puzzles
• befuddles
• mystifies
• embarrasses
• confounds
• vexes
• flummoxes
• rattles
• disturbs
• bemuses
• bothers
• disorients
• stuns
• discombobulates
• upsets
• poses
• muddles
• flusters
• fuddles
• muddies
• bamboozles
• mazes
• unsettles
• addles
• beats
• gravels
• befogs
• gets
• foxes
• buffaloes
• blows one's mind
• sticks
• agitates
• disconcerts
• distresses
• stumps
• discomfits
• goes to one's head
• dismays
• disquiets
• mortifies
• perturbs
• misleads
• nonpluses
• unhinges
• fazes
• deceives
• fools
• tricks
• abashes
• weirds out
• deludes
• discountenances
• beguiles
• misguides
• discomforts
• chagrins
• discomposes
• hoodwinks
• strings along
• snows
• hoaxes
• gulls
• humbugs
• takes in
• cozens
• dupes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assures
• satisfies
• informs
• reassures
• enlightens

baffles

2 of 2

noun

plural of baffle

as in mufflers

Related Words

• mufflers
• cushions
• fenders
• bumpers
• buffers
• shields
• cocoons
• safeguards
• pads
• cushionings
• barricades
• paddings
• cordons

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of baffles

Verb

Using humane methods like squirrel baffles and tree nets can effectively keep squirrels out of your fruit trees. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Multiple baffles within the bladder help keep the liquid from sloshing around excessively, while a wide waterproof zipper across the top makes for easy filling, cleaning, and adding of electrolytes. — Ben Coxworth may 11, New Atlas, 11 May 2026

This baffles and outrages Angela, a protective mom who, with other parents, pushes back against Gabor using her math classroom as a forum for introducing the outside world’s worst actions. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 7 Apr. 2026

His disaffection baffles his acquaintances and pains his tubercular wife (a superb Quinn Jackson), whose doctor (Lambert Tamin) has only contempt for her husband’s agonizing. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026

The lack of critical thinking right now actually baffles me. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026

The move baffles health care advocates and Medicaid experts. — Daniel Chang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

Mount predator baffles and guards to the pole or tree during installation. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

The continued controversy over the Bad Bunny Super Bowl performance baffles me. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026