FRUSTRATE Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'frustrate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of frustrate are baffle , balk , foil , and thwart . While all these words 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

Q: When is 'baffle' a more appropriate choice than 'frustrate'?

The words baffle and frustrate can be used in similar contexts, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling. // baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

Q: When could 'balk' be used to replace 'frustrate'?

In some situations, the words balk and frustrate are roughly equivalent. However, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances. // officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Q: When might 'foil' be a better fit than 'frustrate'?

The words foil and frustrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort. // foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Q: In what contexts can 'thwart' take the place of 'frustrate'?

The meanings of thwart and frustrate largely overlap; however, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing. // the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

frustrate

verb

ˈfrə-ˌstrāt

Definition of frustrate

as in to thwart

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 & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of challenge the math student, but don't frustrate him or her with overly difficult problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb frustrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of frustrate are baffle, balk, foil, and thwart. While all these words 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

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than frustrate?

The words baffle and frustrate can be used in similar contexts, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When could balk be used to replace frustrate?

In some situations, the words balk and frustrate are roughly equivalent. However, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

When might foil be a better fit than frustrate?

The words foil and frustrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

In what contexts can thwart take the place of frustrate?

The meanings of thwart and frustrate largely overlap; however, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

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 frustrate According to Sofia, Eleanor was frustrated that the material had only appeared in some promotional marketing materials without being utilized to its full potential. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2026 Another neighbor, who identified herself as Terry, said she was frustrated by the violence and worried about its impact on the community. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Many commissioners, while frustrated with the company, acknowledged they are essentially stuck. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 During the first of four shows later that week at Nightclub 101, Hall seemed tetchy and frustrated. — Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustrate

Verb

Scott McNutt of Robbinsville, New Jersey, argues that the ban, which was put in place to thwart tax evasion, is unconstitutional.

— Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, Katie’s out here trying to get people to vote for Michael at the roundtable in order to thwart Victor’s plans to get Tomica out.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of thwart

Verb

Clark County officials said the campaign is not intended to discourage voluntary tips, however.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
But flying less can raise operating costs per seat, while pushing prices higher risks discouraging travelers who have already absorbed steep increases.

— Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

Ukrainian officials said the restrictions hampered ⁠the military’s ability to intercept Russian attack ⁠drones and forced the cancellation of some operations.

— Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
The officials said the restrictions were disrupting high-speed military drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian attacks and conduct operations along the front line.

— Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of hamper

Verb

This method prevents nitrogen from diluting the exhaust gas, which hinders combustion and keeps the CO₂ concentration relatively low.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
New demarcations of Indigenous lands are expected to be frozen, under the argument that reserving territory hinders mining, agricultural expansion, and growth.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of hinder

Verb

Schwank also took issue with ICE’s characterization that Moreida was standing in the middle of an active road and impeding law enforcement’s actions.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of impede

Verb

Kenyan President William Ruto said in 2023 that government agencies should have been able to prevent the deaths.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The titanium frame will naturally handle all kinds of impact, and the flashlight's battery chamber is sealed to prevent water damage.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

This was the sixth year in a row that the Yankees failed to defeat a higher-seeded playoff opponent.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Although supporters say the fear that billionaires will flee the state are overblown, the ultrawealthy have made moves to potentially avoid paying the tax or are funding campaigns to defeat it.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

frumpy

frustrate

frustrated

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“Frustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustrate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of frustrate

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