BAFFLED Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

baffled 1 of 2

adjective

ˈba-fəld

Definition of baffled

as in perplexed

faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do baffled viewers didn't know what to make of the strange antics of the talk show host

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

baffled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of baffle

as in frustrated

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 puzzled

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 baffled

Adjective

The admission prompted baffled comments from a veteran federal judge. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026 The Sooners’ uncanny postseason successes leave many baffled. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Verb

Meanwhile, a dangerous new threat has emerged in the city, and Peter is baffled over how to stop it. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The closure of the Dome and ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood has been painful for both locals and industry creatives, leaving countless baffled that powerbrokers in town have not found a way to open the doors again. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffled

Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffled

Adjective

View this post on Instagram Many commenters were perplexed to see new content from Hilton’s account pop up.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Guides for the aesthetically perplexed have lost their meaning.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of perplexed

Verb

But Moores would express misery in recalling ballpark-construction hassles and MLB politics that frustrated his advocacy of small-market clubs and game-day affordability.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
After all, the class was her sanctuary through a breakup, during feelings of inadequacy and when she was frustrated with work.

— Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrated

Verb

Just ask Australian break dancer Rachael Gunn, whose performance at the 2024 Olympics puzzled viewers the world over.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Three bears were taken, and, in keeping with the southern tradition of bear hunting, Roosevelt’s hosts were a bit puzzled by the president’s disappointment.

— Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of puzzled

Verb

The lack of wreckage has hampered efforts to determine the cause of the sinking and where to focus search operations, authorities said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
The shouting match ultimately ended with Anthony deciding not to testify, a decision his attorneys said hampered his ability to effectively claim self-defense in the killing.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of hampered

Verb

Cirque Dreams, which also offers several other touring shows, used to be regularly confused with Cirque du Soleil strictly because of the similarity of their names.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026
Earlier, on direct examination, Heilbrun said it may be confused with psychosis.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of confused

Browse Nearby Words

baffle

baffled

bafflegab

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Style

“Baffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffled. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of baffled

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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