Synonyms of frustrate

frustrate

verb

ˈfrə-ˌstrāt 

1

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

• thwart
• hamper
• baffle
• hinder
• impede
• prevent
• defeat
• stop
• balk
• discomfit
• overcome
• obstruct
• beat
• foil
• halt
• checkmate
• inhibit
• preclude
• encumber
• interfere (with)
• clog
• obviate
• handicap
• block
• arrest
• nullify
• avert
• hobble
• forestall
• stall
• neutralize
• check
• negate
• tie up
• set back
• hold back
• bar
• counteract
• conquer
• offset
• short-circuit
• shackle
• fetter
• trammel
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• promote
• forward
• assist
• advance
• foster
• further
• cultivate
• aid
• facilitate
• nurture
• ease
• abet
• smooth

2

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

• discourage
• intimidate
• daunt
• frighten
• dishearten
• unnerve
• demoralize
• scare
• dismay
• dispirit
• bother
• worry
• horrify
• afflict
• trouble
• try
• browbeat
• undermine
• chill
• distress
• unman
• depress
• weaken
• throw cold water on
• weigh
• bully
• sadden
• cow
• vex
• irk
• deaden
• dampen
• debilitate
• enfeeble
• damp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• nerve
• steel
• cheer
• enforce
• embolden
• reinforce
• strengthen
• assure
• enliven
• hearten
• reassure
• animate
• gladden
• stimulate
• excite
• fortify
• invigorate
• provoke
• inspire
• buoy (up)
• stir
• lift
• energize
• quicken
• boost
• rally
• galvanize

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

Recent Examples of frustrate

Evers said at the time the deal left him disappointed and frustrated. —Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

The paper’s reporters were frustrated that the section featured straight news reporting from a Sinclair commentator who was formerly the vice chair of the state’s Republican Party. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Royals fans were frustrated that closer Lucas Erceg had to pitch Wednesday night in KC’s 13-9 win over the Twins. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026

Lynn, frustrated not to know the source, began searching for it on her phone, but nothing came up. —Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026