Thesaurus

frustrate

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

verb

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Synonyms & 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 for frustrate

Words Related to frustrate

counteract,
offset

Near Antonyms for frustrate

Antonyms for frustrate

2 to lessen the courage or confidence of

challenge the math student, but don't frustrate him or her with overly difficult problems

Synonyms for frustrate

Words Related to frustrate

afflict,
try

distress,
trouble

Phrases Synonymous with frustrate

throw cold water on

Near Antonyms for frustrate

assure,
reassure

Antonyms for frustrate

Frequently Asked Questions About frustrate

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