Definition of frustratenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb frustrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of frustrate are baffle, balk, foil, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than frustrate?

The words baffle and frustrate can be used in similar contexts, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When could balk be used to replace frustrate?

In some situations, the words balk and frustrate are roughly equivalent. However, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

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

When might foil be a better fit than frustrate?

The words foil and frustrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

In what contexts can thwart take the place of frustrate?

The meanings of thwart and frustrate largely overlap; however, 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 frustrate The two mid-half pauses for hydration (and advertisements) have been met with increasingly loud boos from crowds who are frustrated at FIFA turning matches into de facto four-quarter affairs. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Claims with no problems are supposed to be paid within 15 days, said James Webb, a musculoskeletal radiologist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who has also been frustrated by the prior approval and reimbursement process for kyphoplasties. Darius Tahir, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Other House Members are frustrated at the games being played. Justin Papp, CNBC, 23 June 2026 The first of those was Jones, who was an immediate boost to Florida’s defense corps during its second Cup run after being frustrated by the end of his tenure in Chicago despite still having five years left on an eight-year deal. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustrate
Verb
  • The group’s open letter calls on Bonta to take action to thwart the Ellison expansion effort.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Nicolas Pepe had a shot from roughly 10 yards out that was thwarted by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Haskjold Nyland with his leg.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • In 2011, the bipartisan Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission determined that the crisis was triggered in part by Greenspan’s failure to discourage trade in securities backed by subprime mortgage loans amid an unsustainable housing boom and his promotion of financial industry deregulation.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 22 June 2026
  • The color yellow attracts yellow jackets and other pollinating insects, so the all-red design increases your chances of attracting hummingbirds and discourages bees and wasps from staking claim over the sweet nectar.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Chwalińska took a medical timeout for the injury at the end of the game, and she was clearly hampered by it for the rest of the match.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • His focus on the voting bill, instead of signing one that tackles a top issue for voters, has left some GOP strategists baffled.
    David Hickey, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • Keith played conservative social climber Margo Leadbetter, who is baffled by her neighbor Tom's sustainability-centric lifestyle with wife Barbara Good (Felicity Kendal).
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The Great American State Fair kicked off last week, though the 16-day event has been hindered by weather shutdowns, technical difficulties and low attendance.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The investigation also compliments previous claims that CCC’s regulations impede coastal infrastructure projects, which has drawn criticism from multiple political fronts over the last year.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • Supporters had campaigned for Merlin to be allowed into the Azteca to witness Mexico’s final group game — but the dabbler found his free passage impeded on Wednesday evening by FIFA regulations.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Cloud cover prevented a California Highway Patrol helicopter from reaching the injured climber directly, forcing the rescue to unfold in stages.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Increasing staff at medical facilities during heat waves could also prevent unnecessary deaths.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty-kick shootout Friday after the teams played to a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes in Arlington, Texas.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • The short version is that after defeating the Kilrathi at the climax of Wing Commander 3, Mark Hamill’s Christopher Blair retires to a backwater world to live out a life in peace and obscurity.
    Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Frustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustrate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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