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 But too often, SaaS companies focus on what their product can do—to the exclusion of what end users need and understand—leaving customers frustrated or overwhelmed. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Some are frustrated with the lack of progress a year later. Lizzie Kane, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025 If your child is intent on trying it, Dr. Spearman suggests asking what appeals to them about the approach, such as being frustrated with breakouts. Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 May 2025 Restaurateur Tasha Cyril is sometimes frustrated by the popularity of the turkey wings at her scene-centric Buckhead bar and lounge. Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for frustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustrate
Verb
  • After a strikeout, Luis Castillo hit a foul fly that Moises Alou jumped for, only to have his efforts thwarted by a fan making a play on the ball himself.
    Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • This is not the only recent livestock smuggling attempt thwarted at a U.S.-Mexico border crossing in California.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Dimon, a heavyweight of traditional finance, has consistently used his perch to discourage regular investors and other financial leaders from getting involved.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 20 May 2025
  • To discourage thieves and curiosity seekers, two feet of concrete was poured over his casket.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Some were baffled by Perry’s dancing and said the show looked cheap.
    Courtney Lane, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025
  • The complexities of her character mirrored in her stony, resentful stare, in her grim, unforgiving mouth, will always baffle and enthrall.
    E.R. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • This discrepancy hindered the adoption of BI, which might further damage AI by generating models that are trained with false assumptions and generate erroneous predictions.
    Artyom Keydunov, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Starring Frank Dillane, the film — which was already generating buzz before Cannes — follows a troubled but charming young man on the streets of London whose efforts to get his life in order are hindered by his own self-destructive tendencies.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The Justice Department announced charges against McIver on May 19 for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement related to an altercation at a Newark immigration facility.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The family attempted to lobby the state and local legislatures to ease up on regulations that impeded the fishing industry, and eventually the closure of their business. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The family eventually moved to Massachusetts.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Probiotics may help fight and prevent respiratory infections by boosting the immune system and reducing the presence of harmful bacteria and viruses in the respiratory tract.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
  • Resurging opposition to fluoridation — the practice of adding fluoride to public water systems at safe levels to prevent tooth decay — has been a nuisance for dentists, researchers and public health experts.
    Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The moment transpired seven months after the Liberty defeated the Minessota Lynx in a riveting five-game WNBA Finals.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
  • But 19 months after the war in Gaza began, Israel has failed to either defeat Hamas or free all of the captives.
    Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 17 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustrate. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frustrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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