baffling

adjective

baf·​fling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce baffling (audio)
Synonyms of bafflingnext
: extremely confusing or difficult to understand
a baffling decision
found the directions utterly baffling
bafflingly adverb
a bafflingly complex explanation

Examples of baffling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Her baffling disappearance has gripped the nation, leading many Americans to question how an octogenarian leading a sleepy life in the Southwest was taken while her neighbors were asleep. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 Bundy finds this ideological betrayal totally baffling. Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 1 Feb. 2026 Of all the strange twists that led to Monken’s hiring, that is perhaps the most baffling. Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026 Now, as Reuters reports, Musk is hoping to go one step further, merging his AI startup xAI with SpaceX ahead of the IPO — a baffling plan that raises far more questions than answers. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffling

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baffling was in 1783

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baffling. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on baffling

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!

More from Merriam-Webster