baffling 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bafflingnext
as in perplexing

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baffling

2 of 3

noun

as in thwarting

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baffling

3 of 3

verb

present participle of baffle
1
as in frustrating
to prevent from achieving a goal the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference

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2
as in puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty she was baffled by the wording of the clause in the insurance policy

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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 baffling
Adjective
Technology can mitigate noise by using acoustic baffling, bigger fans and applying variable frequency drives. — Kevin Brown, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Prime Video continues to be one of the most baffling streaming services, from dull originals like Reacher to a revolving catalogue of films that never saw the light of an actual movie theater. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
Those who knew me found this baffling. — ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026 That said, the good outweighs the baffling. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Illinois numbers, especially this year’s, are baffling experts. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 For more than four minutes Darnold drove downfield, connecting on three of four passes, baffling the pass rushers, bleeding the clock, and by the time the Seahawks finally gave the ball back, the Rams had only 25 seconds to live. — Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffling
  1. perplexing
  2. thwarting
  3. frustrating
  4. puzzling
  5. confusing
  6. frustration
  7. hampering
  8. bewildering
Adjective
  • More perplexing is the industry’s retreat despite evidence that diversity is in its economic interest.
    — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Not Kendall, nor Candle, but a third, even more perplexing name for a dog.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of perplexing
Noun
  • To simulate thwarting advances by enemy forces using the bridge, soldiers erected layers of barriers and rolled barbed wire.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The attack’s thwarting was an undeniable success.
    — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of thwarting
Verb
  • But Algo’s hyper-logical, computerised process of consistently picking the favourites to win was undone in the second match of the day, with Ghana frustrating England in a 0-0 draw.
    — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Definition of frustrating
Verb
  • Whatever caused the problem is particularly puzzling, given that the speakers use the same wireless connection whether attached or detached.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Overrun with puzzling plot points, several cameos and a bloated supporting cast, the series fails to stick the landing.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of puzzling
Adjective
  • The slightly confusing part is that the star at that corner, Alpheratz, belongs to Andromeda rather than Pegasus.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • And in another confusing fact, somehow, Wall Street wasn’t nominated for Best Picture, nor was Oliver Stone for directing.
    — Michael Douglas, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusing
Noun
  • The compounding frustrations of this situation, fueled by too much alcohol, finally expose Uta’s double life.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • My stepmother took out her anger and frustration with her husband on me.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustration
Verb
  • Political uncertainty is hampering business investment, France’s biggest business group has warned, while anxious consumers are holding off on purchases.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Front-line workers have gone on strike several times since the outbreak began, further hampering efforts to contain the disease.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hampering
Verb
  • The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of bewildering

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Cite this Entry

“Baffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffling. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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