thwart

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb thwart differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of thwart are baffle, balk, foil, and frustrate. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than thwart?

The synonyms baffle and thwart are sometimes interchangeable, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When is it sensible to use balk instead of thwart?

The meanings of balk and thwart largely overlap; however, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

In what contexts can foil take the place of thwart?

In some situations, the words foil and thwart are roughly equivalent. However, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

When could frustrate be used to replace thwart?

The words frustrate and thwart are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

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 thwart The cyanobacteria quickly grew back, thwarting efforts that cost tens of thousands of dollars. Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Public policies, closer retailer collaboration with law enforcement to thwart theft, and other investments have also made a difference in the industry’s fight. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 The Germans had placed several obstacles along the beach, hidden under the high-tide water, that thwarted Allied efforts even to reach the beach, let alone cross it and scale the hills and cliffs leading to higher ground where the Germans were positioned. Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Officials say lack of funding threatens to thwart that progress. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thwart
Verb
  • Ciccone was frustrated to find research was largely focused on boys.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • It’s left supporters on Capitol Hill delighted, frustrated, or wondering what’s next.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Thwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thwart. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on thwart

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