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.
The currently airing Season 9, which received a nomination for its season premiere, hasn’t really seen a notable uptick in quality or in buzz, making its return to the Emmys stage a little baffling. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 Ancelotti made the baffling choice to sideline the Real Madrid player for a penalty kick in the first half. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Vic makes some baffling choices here, buzzing in twice on the first word in the series without hearing the rest, and getting eliminated from multiple rounds five seconds in. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026 And that’s not the only answer to lingering questions authorities are waiting on in the baffling search for Oscar Sanchez-Munoz. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 25 June 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

baffler
baffling
baffling wind
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baffling. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on baffling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for baffling

Nglish: Translation of baffling for Spanish Speakers

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