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 The Mynatts are among the rising ranks of parents and caregivers frustrated by one-size-fits-all schooling who are seeking something more aligned with their values and viewpoints—whether progressive or conservative. Kerry McDonald, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Some users are excited by the new focus on active members, while others are frustrated with the move. James Peckham, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025 In other words, ChatGPT favors Standard American English, which can frustrate non-American users. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 The wacky tube doesn’t really care for Donald and knows that Donald gets frustrated. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustrate
Verb
  • One miscue was a fumble into the end zone from the two-yard line, which thwarted a long drive late in the third quarter.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Kansas City Royals arrived in Philadelphia looking to thwart the red-hot Phillies and keep alive their slim playoff hopes.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her ancestor’s analytic model discouraged self-revelation by the therapist, but Freud often meets her guests’ excavations of desire and vulnerability with her own candid recollections.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Speaker Johnson is giving the high ground to the Democrats by discouraging Thomas Massie's petition.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And the new administration may be further hampering those plans.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The result is a set of policies that has baffled some China experts, or at least raised questions about the president’s stance on America’s friendly rival.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In the last few years, researchers have stumbled upon baffling signals from deep space, uncovered strange features hiding beneath our oceans, and found clues that hint at life’s secrets on other worlds.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The share of businesses saying that lack of transparency was hindering operations fell by 12 percentage points to 16%.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • These challenges not only hinder women’s economic advancement but also limit businesses from reaching their full potential.
    C200, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.
    Chris Quintana, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Riley Gaines has lobbied for bills in several states that would prevent biological males who identify as women from competing in women’s sports.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Your feet are sandwiched between pillowy soles and a breathable mesh upper that keeps the air flowing to prevent sweating and blisters.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 2023-24, Jones had a career year for the Mavericks, who were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustrate. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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