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baffle 1 of 2

Definition of bafflenext

baffle

2 of 2

noun

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 pilot of a private jet reportedly made an eerie discovery while flying thousands of feet over Rhode Island, marking the latest in unexplained encounters baffling both experts and civilians alike. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025 But many astronomers were baffled by the attention 3I/ATLAS was receiving. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Noun
As typical in a down jacket, the down is contained in horizontal baffles that run across the body and sleeves, but rather than being one baffle atop the next, Nike ACG places thin rows of perforated ventilation between baffles in critical zones. New Atlas, 19 Nov. 2025 The National Audubon Society suggests that baffles be at least 17 inches in diameter for maximum efficiency. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for baffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffle
Verb
  • Games that are too easy bore older players, while overly complex games can frustrate younger ones.
    Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026
  • But while Coogan racked up millions of views for his YouTube explainers about political figures like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, he was frustrated by the hours of prep work that went into producing a single episode.
    Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The disjunction between the abstract composition and the notion of self-portraiture appeared perplexing in its own right; its inoperability only exacerbated the viewer’s frustration and redoubled the artist’s impish provocation.
    Ara H. Merjian, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
  • But the unknown in that equation is what perplexes the Mavericks and has the team stuck for now.
    Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • One car’s wheels have been removed; another sports a mangled fender.
    Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The view from behind the wheel is impressive, where the driver sees finger-thin A-pillars at either side of the broad windshield that overlooks two iconic fenders, a comically short dash, five true analog gauges, and little else.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But unlike his Sophoclean namesake, Orestes is bewildered by this escalation and refuses.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
  • In April, the president was among those bewildered by his fall.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Boasting over 1,300 five-star ratings, this foldable cushion caught my attention because it can be used for lower back pain, too.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Their midweight thickness offers enough cushion for miles of walking through the streets of New York City, without causing sweat.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The 40-year-old cooks up ways to make quarterbacks miserable in his sleep, devising schemes that are meant to lure as much as they are intended to confuse.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Canales-Pelaez said that local departments may be confusing administrative warrants with criminal ones, or overcomplying to avoid backlash from the state Legislature.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Berto is seen walking back to his truck, while the Tahoe driver walks toward the front end of the Tahoe, looks down at the bumper and shakes his head before turning to point the firearm at Berto, the affidavit said.
    Timia Cobb Breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The coming year will likely see a bumper set of public offerings and M&A deals, analysts forecast.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Her mysterious symptoms puzzled doctors, at least one of whom suggested the pain was psychosomatic.
    Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Further study is also needed to untangle one puzzling finding.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on baffle

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