Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

frustrate

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of frustrate

1 to prevent from achieving a goal
  • a multitude of conflicting opinions frustrated me in my attempt to find a computer that best suits my needs
Synonyms of frustrate

baffle, balk, beat, checkmate, discomfit, foil, thwart
Words Related to frustrate

bar, block, clog, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel

arrest, check, halt, set back, short-circuit, stall, stop

avert, forestall, obviate, preclude, prevent

negate, neutralize, nullify

counteract, offset

conquer, defeat, overcome
Near Antonyms of frustrate

abet, aid, assist

ease, facilitate, smooth
Antonyms of frustrate

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote
2 to lessen the courage or confidence of
  • challenge the math student, but don't frustrate him or her with overly difficult problems
Synonyms of frustrate

chill, daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, unman, unnerve
Words Related to frustrate

browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate

depress, sadden, weigh

afflict, try

damp, dampen, deaden

distress, trouble

bother, irk, vex, worry

debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken

frighten, horrify, scare
Phrases Synonymous with frustrate

throw cold water on
Near Antonyms of frustrate

buoy (up), cheer, gladden

animate, enliven, invigorate

enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen

assure, reassure

boost, energize, excite, galvanize, inspire, lift, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir
Antonyms of frustrate

embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel

Synonym Discussion of frustrate

frustrate, thwart, foil, baffle, balk mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal. frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.
    • frustrated attempts at government reform
thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.
    • the army thwarted his attempt at a coup
foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.
    • foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her
baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.
    • baffled by the maze of rules and regulations
balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.
    • officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Learn More about frustrate

  1. See words that rhyme with frustrate Dictionary: Definition of frustrate Medical Dictionary: Definition of frustrate Spanish Central: Translation of frustrate Nglish: Translation of frustrate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of frustrate for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up frustrate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

genial

Listen to the pronounciation of genial

friendly or mild

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. kangaroo court Trump blocks ambassador from testimony

  2. coup Trump accuses Democrats of overthrow attempt

  3. quid pro quo Speculation mounts over Trump's Ukraine call

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games