BAFFLE Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'baffle' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of baffle are balk , foil , frustrate , and thwart . While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling. // baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

Q: When would 'balk' be a good substitute for 'baffle'?

While in some cases nearly identical to baffle , balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances. // officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Q: When can 'foil' be used instead of 'baffle'?

Although the words foil and baffle have much in common, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort. // foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Q: Where would 'frustrate' be a reasonable alternative to 'baffle'?

The synonyms frustrate and baffle are sometimes interchangeable, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent. // frustrated attempts at government reform

Q: When is 'thwart' a more appropriate choice than 'baffle'?

The words thwart and baffle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing. // the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

baffle 1 of 2

verb

ˈba-fəl

Definition of baffle

as in to frustrate

to prevent from achieving a goal the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to perplex

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty she was baffled by the wording of the clause in the insurance policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

baffle

2 of 2

noun

as in fender

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb baffle differ from other similar words?

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

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When would balk be a good substitute for baffle?

While in some cases nearly identical to baffle, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

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

When can foil be used instead of baffle?

Although the words foil and baffle have much in common, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

Where would frustrate be a reasonable alternative to baffle?

The synonyms frustrate and baffle are sometimes interchangeable, but frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is thwart a more appropriate choice than baffle?

The words thwart and baffle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

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 baffle

Verb

The closure of the Dome and ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood has been painful for both locals and industry creatives, leaving countless baffled that powerbrokers in town have not found a way to open the doors again. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026 While Loathe’s baffling compositional choices may jump out first, the album’s most glaring flaw is its production. — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026

Noun

Where traditional manufacturing limited baffle designs to a handful of repeatable geometries, additive manufacturing opens the door to near-infinite options. — Carolyn Schwaar, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026 Unlike many baffle-box down duvets, this one is conveniently machine-washable and allergen-free. — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffle

Verb

Iran was also frustrated that financial promises under the deal – including the release of billions of frozen assets – didn't materialize, and now the American blockade is back in place.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Unlike traditional resort fees that can surprise or frustrate travelers, these purchases are optional and connected to a guest’s needs.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

Workers at Doherty Staffing Solutions were perplexed when strangers started calling the office in response to recruitment texts — texts the firm never sent.

— Bill Lukitsch, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026
The Wiener Kitchen diners weren’t the only Kansas Citians perplexed by this description.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of perplex

Noun

Turo sent photos, one of which showed a scratch on the fender and a small hole in the bumper.

— Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
Meanwhile, the rubber fenders and specialized coupling devices installed on the foundation legs helped absorb potential impacts.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026

Definition of fender

Verb

In Texas, Spain bewildered France, neutralising what has looked like the most formidable attack in the tournament.

— Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 18 July 2026
As fans of the comedian know, Ali G is a streetwise interviewer whose hip hop slang often bewilders guests such as Noam Chomsky, Andy Rooney and Newt Gingrich.

— Brent Lang, Variety, 7 July 2026

Definition of bewilder

Noun

Despite the Middle East conflict, spending has remained resilient, in part thanks to bigger tax refunds this year, which provided a cushion for consumers against higher gasoline prices stemming from the war.

— Reuters, NBC news, 30 July 2026
Despite the Middle East conflict, spending has remained resilient, in part thanks to bigger tax refunds this year, which provided a cushion for consumers against higher gasoline prices stemming from the war.

— Lucia Mutikani, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Definition of cushion

Verb

It’s labeled in their inventory so it’s not confused for an original, but adds their own touch to their trove.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Physicians are alarmed, stressing that FDA licensing is crucial for guiding patients, as this decision risks confusing consumers about regulated versus unregulated treatments.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of confuse

Noun

Turo sent photos, one of which showed a scratch on the fender and a small hole in the bumper.

— Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
Also updated is the button layout, which is much appreciated (no more awkward reloading and vehicle boarding via the right front bumper, thank God), in addition to giving the Warthog traditional car controls, if that’s your preference.

— Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of bumper

Verb

The experimental projections, generated from archival Wagner imagery and historical scenes including late former Chancellor Helmut Kohl and the 9/11 attacks, formed a swirling collage that left many spectators puzzled and restless.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Like many oil market observers, I have been puzzled by the relatively low level of oil prices given what has been one of the largest supply disruptions in history.

— Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of puzzle

Browse Nearby Words

badness

baffle

baffled

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“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of baffle

verb

noun

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