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
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
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
Verb
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffles
Verb
-
The person at the cash register has to stop helping other customers to try and track down the booth owner, which holds up the line and frustrates everybody.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Alesia and Mike’s constant absent-mindedness frustrates Jenna and Daisy.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Find table linens, throw blankets, chair cushions, wall art, and area rugs in the darling pattern that nail the sweet spot between nostalgic and trendy.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2026
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Other gifts included a traditional Bedouin tent and tables, cushions and carpets that Epstein later set up on his island.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The low-performing chefs are Rhoda, whose lamb confuses the kids; Sherry, whose grits were oddly flavored; and Oscar, whose puff pastry soaked up all the deep-fryer oil.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Go somewhere that confuses your algorithm.—
Kevin Sintumuang,
Outside,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Faux-chrome hubcaps and brick outlines resembling fenders decorate the building’s skin; those giant gargoyles on the corners are overscale replicas of radiator-cap hood ornaments.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Those sprawling fenders clear room for taller, wider tires, including meaty 345/25/ZR 21’s in back to improve traction and cornering grip.—
Lawrence Ulrich,
Robb Report,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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 12 Apr. 2026.
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