BAFFLING Synonyms: 238 Similar and Opposite Words

baffling 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of baffling

as in perplexing

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Dissimilar Words

baffling

2 of 3

noun

as in thwarting

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Dissimilar Words

baffling

3 of 3

verb

present participle of baffle

as in frustrating

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 baffling

Adjective

Television was ostensibly a venue where Friday could finally live again, but what we’ve been left with is a baffling mess that doesn’t seem to understand what fans love about these characters. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026 My daughter, Sophie Rottenberg, had a short and baffling health crisis that might have been a mental illness borne of hormonal dysregulation, or the inverse. — Laura Reiley, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026

Noun

Those who knew me found this baffling. — ArsTechnica, 25 May 2026 That said, the good outweighs the baffling. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025

Verb

The Illinois numbers, especially this year’s, are baffling experts. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 For more than four minutes Darnold drove downfield, connecting on three of four passes, baffling the pass rushers, bleeding the clock, and by the time the Seahawks finally gave the ball back, the Rams had only 25 seconds to live. — Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffling

Adjective

More perplexing is the industry’s retreat despite evidence that diversity is in its economic interest.

— Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Not Kendall, nor Candle, but a third, even more perplexing name for a dog.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of perplexing

Verb

But Algo’s hyper-logical, computerised process of consistently picking the favourites to win was undone in the second match of the day, with Ghana frustrating England in a 0-0 draw.

— The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 24 June 2026
The documentary’s contradiction is right there, enthralling us with the wild achievements Potter pulled off and frustrating us with his bombast, leading us to ponder whether, as The Dark Wizard suggests, either could exist without the other.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2026

Definition of frustrating

Verb

Researchers are still puzzling through what happened to the ancient Maya civilization, which mysteriously dwindled.

— Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026
To read her book is to be reminded that childhood can be a puzzling passage for anyone, even in an ostensibly simpler time and place.

— Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of puzzling

Adjective

Berg, working with DP Jacques Jouffret, favors close shots that force us to experience battle much like our heroes do, as confusing, terrifying bursts of mayhem.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
However, by creating official federal standards for their color, brightness, and location, NHTSA wants to make sure that any automaker who chooses to add them uses a consistent, legal setup instead of a confusing mix of different colors and signals.

— Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of confusing

Noun

Burks said much of the frustration is connected to top leaders who provide insufficient training.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Clinton's lack of a majority and list of frustrations in his first term set the stage for a bruising first midterm election in 1994.

— Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustration

Verb

The officials said the restrictions were disrupting high-speed military drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian attacks and conduct operations along the front line.

— Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Kyiv sees this as an attempt to pressure it into concessions by hampering its aerial defense and military operations.

— David Hickey, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of hampering

Verb

The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.

— Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of bewildering

Browse Nearby Words

baffles

baffling

bag

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Baffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffling. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of baffling

adjective

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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