1
as in frustrating
to prevent from achieving a goal
the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzling
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
as in perplexing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in thwarting
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of baffling
Barry Levitt, Time, 21 May 2025
Even the acres of baffling dialogue are delivered swiftly.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 14 May 2025
There’s the energy and fight, which seems to have gone out of this team like an electric factory doused by a baffling power outage, and the frustration that there don’t seem to be any clear solutions, never mind quick fixes.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 30 May 2025
Here, the end of the world seems both baffling and boring.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for baffling
Verb
These new elements are neither remarkable nor unwelcome, but devoting time to them at the expense of Stitch is an utterly baffling decision.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 21 May 2025
Even the acres of baffling dialogue are delivered swiftly.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 14 May 2025
There’s the energy and fight, which seems to have gone out of this team like an electric factory doused by a baffling power outage, and the frustration that there don’t seem to be any clear solutions, never mind quick fixes.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 30 May 2025
Here, the end of the world seems both baffling and boring.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for baffling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffling
Verb
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Researchers are particularly focused on unraveling the puzzling interplay between gas content, magma pressure and lava flow dynamics.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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Almost two years into his ordeal, Gould learned of an initiative at the National Institutes of Health that focuses on solving the country’s most puzzling medical cases.—
Jason Liebowitz,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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After a perplexing dream, Geron embarks on a quest to connect with his musically inclined son, Anthony, in hopes of creating music ice cream lovers–and the world—will love.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
10 July 2025
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Riverside’s dissing of juries is even more perplexing given that California conviction rates in criminal cases top 60%.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Clark voiced her frustration that one of her teammates wasn’t spending enough time in the gym.—
Elise Devlin,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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Just ask Paige Spiranac, former LPGA hopeful turned golf influencer, who recently took it to X to voice her frustration.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Then, in 2018 and 2019, when caravans of asylum seekers, who were primarily from Central America, were met with cruel deterrence tactics like the Remain in Mexico policy.—
Liliana Reza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 July 2025
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The deterrence equation has changed, as has Israel's room for strategic maneuvering.—
Tim Ryan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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The Copycat Conundrum: When Local Laws Protect Your Competitors Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of international franchising involves dealing with local copycat operations that exploit legal protections designed for domestic businesses.—
Mohaimina Haque,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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While these noises may not impact your daily life much, your neighbors deciding to start their yardwork could be frustrating.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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In that case, however, Anand managed to secure a checkmate after 29 days of play.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
21 May 2025
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In the second, Eze again ceded the advantage, but ruthlessly capitalised on a costly blunder with a rapid-fire checkmate to seal the win and the tournament.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Amazon With a bewildering array of colorful smart lighting for any occasion, Govee is an affordable alternative to brands like Philips Hue.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
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The number of color swatches and leather/fabric samples is bewildering.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Germany went unbeaten in their Nations League group with 26 goals scored in six games, including four against a disorganized Dutch defense and six past Austria in the last month.—
Neel Shelat,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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The system is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms with a 10% chance of tropical development, NHC said.—
Elainie Barraza,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Baffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffling. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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