Synonyms of thwart

thwart

verb

ˈthwȯrt 

as in to frustrate

to prevent from achieving a goal

a coalition of grassroots organizations thwarted the company's efforts to get approval for a new power plant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of thwart

There's been some stumbling plays, thwarted by tripping and dramatic falls. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026

Part of the problem is that, outside of their tenants’ pleas, landlords face neither any real pressure nor any legal requirement to install shutters and ceiling fans; even owners who want to do so are thwarted by recalcitrant co-op boards or finicky historic-preservation reviews. — Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

In 2025, Russia asked that Apple remove 1,213 apps—many of these VPN apps designed to thwart the country’s draconian Internet censorship. — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

Nothing could be more important than for Congress and the courts to thwart him. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026

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