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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of baffles
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
Patagonia’s proprietary synthetic fill imitates down’s structure by spinning air-trapping microfilaments around a central fiber and requires fewer stabilizing seams and baffles than down.
—Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
That said, the Recording Academy never goes too long without making a choice that baffles everybody, as when Jon Batiste beat Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift in 2022.
—Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Take the quiz here … DUGOUT SECRETS – Mysterious wooden canoe found after Hurricane Ian still baffles experts three years later.
—FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
One case that still baffles is the macabre story of Virginia McCullough, who killed her parents for their money – and then lived with their bodies for four years.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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
Patagonia’s proprietary synthetic fill imitates down’s structure by spinning air-trapping microfilaments around a central fiber and requires fewer stabilizing seams and baffles than down.
—Kelly Bastone, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
That said, the Recording Academy never goes too long without making a choice that baffles everybody, as when Jon Batiste beat Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift in 2022.
—Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Take the quiz here … DUGOUT SECRETS – Mysterious wooden canoe found after Hurricane Ian still baffles experts three years later.
—FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
One case that still baffles is the macabre story of Virginia McCullough, who killed her parents for their money – and then lived with their bodies for four years.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffles
Verb
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Tennessee law, the judge explained, thus still frustrates a core goal of the CEA—uniform regulation of the derivatives market.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
26 Feb. 2026
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Attending the esports-style SCC in London, The Athletic saw exactly how Nakamura frustrates some chess fans but helps make new ones.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But the unknown in that equation is what perplexes the Mavericks and has the team stuck for now.—
Tim Cowlishaw,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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The designs were puckish and gender-bending, evoking both awe and repulsion—the sort of clothing that titillates lovers of conceptual fashion and bewilders the uninitiated.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Give your outdoor cushions a good wash at the start of the season and keep an eye on them throughout the spring and summer.—
Abby Price,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
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The earcup cushions also provide comfort for wearing the headphones for extended periods of time, and the battery also lasts around 50 hours per charge.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Go somewhere that confuses your algorithm.—
Kevin Sintumuang,
Outside,
10 Mar. 2026
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An actress in 1962 Cuban, as its missiles crisis rages, confuses her role in a film and real life.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The rear rack is built for real cargo, and dual fenders protect against mud.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Mar. 2026
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The front lip spoiler with red lipstick sits below Darth Vader-like aero bits on the front bumper that lead into the front fenders.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The lineage of these hybrids traces back to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, a discovery that still puzzles scientists today.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Feb. 2026
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While everyone else puzzles it over, Coe is already on his way to the multi-faith ceremony at Abbotsfield, where Mayor Jaffrey is joining other mourners to honor the 11 people killed in the assault that opened the season.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Baffles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffles. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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