baffle 1 of 2

baffle

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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
With a fastball that tops out around 87 mph, Barrett finds other ways to baffle hitters. Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 The idea that children are not routinely exposed to stories about gender and sexuality would baffle anyone with even a passing familiarity with the Disney canon. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
The 3-inch down topper has a 750-fill power which is distributed evenly with a three-dimensional baffle box stitching and encased in a cotton sateen shell. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025 Make birdfeeders inaccessible, such as by using a baffle. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for baffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffle
Verb
  • What frustrates you most about navigating love in the digital age?
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Piastri and his camp, led by steely former F1 racer Mark Webber, were frustrated with Alpine’s slow progress towards his F1 graduation.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But there are differences that can leave college fans perplexed, like when productive and highly decorated players tumble down the draft board.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • This abrupt conclusion to their title reign left many fans perplexed, questioning the logic behind their initial victory.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The port's marine infrastructure is also being improved to support vessels with up to 5,500 passengers, including new mooring foundations, bollards, and fenders.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The coupe also features various other AMG touches on the outside, including the front fascia, fenders, mirror housings, bumper, and tailpipes.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Across the street, her husband Steve, who nursed Molly through her first fight with breast cancer a few years earlier, sits bewildered in the office of their couples therapist.
    Judy Berman, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Carlie thinks the whole thing is hilarious, and Chelsea remains bewildered by any King Cake Baby obsession.
    Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Without this cushion, even minor financial surprises can derail your budget and lead to debt accumulation.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • People are lounging on floor cushions, nestled on the couch, mingling and making art by the communal table, and lining up in front of the bar—waiting as the bartender prepares their drink of choice: piping hot tea.
    Jasmine Ting, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And when the series takes an occasional serious turn, you'll just be confused.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • However, simply getting older doesn’t equate to consistently missing bills or appointments, having a hard time speaking with people, or feeling lost or confused in places that are familiar to you.
    Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The power play has undoubtedly looked much more dangerous with Demidov in the right circle and Caufield in the left, with Nick Suzuki playing the bumper.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Quad exhausts sit flush against the bumper, and a neat active aero ducktail spoiler sits at the rear.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Some of these economists' findings may be a bit puzzling to those who closely watch the Fed.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Also puzzling is why the vehicle wasn't jettisoned with anti-aircraft guns and aircraft in an attempt to salvage the listing ship after it was damaged in the fighting.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffle. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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