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
• reenforce
• 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

While Senate Democrats were able to block a vote on the measure, Democratic leaders were frustrated during a press conference Thursday morning. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025

Although so highly esteemed, the notoriously taciturn director would often frustrate his colleagues by his reticence to explain his directorial intentions. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025

The team settled on a patient with SD Autism Spectrum disorder who had an ankle sprain but frustrated Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) with his endless questions. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025

Bravo’s grieving family were further frustrated by the California Highway Patrol’s decision not to issue an Amber Alert — the statewide alert activated by authorities to help find missing children — after Lee and the children disappeared. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025