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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Even within the briefing room, reporters seemed perplexed by some of Warsh’s statements.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 29 July 2026
During an interview with Joe Rogan last week, as my colleague Helen Lewis reported, Vance acted perplexed that people had been so offended when a UFC fighter, competing in a fight at the White House, called former First Lady Michelle Obama a man.

— David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

Definition of perplexed

Verb

Wealthy clients, who pay a premium for privacy, are increasingly frustrated by influencers and reviewrs disrupting their experiences with filming and photo shoots.

— Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Neighbors in Reisterstown, Maryland, say they are frustrated after losing power for the seventh time since June.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrated

Adjective

One bewildered South African man said protesters had burst into his home and stolen the lunch from his plate.

— Julie Bourdin, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
In a little corner of my mind, however, history will always mean the tragic smashing of individual lives by its cruel hands and the scattering of bewildered people reeling from its blows.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

Definition of bewildered

Verb

Authorities immediately launched a rescue operation involving firefighters, police, the National Disaster Response Force and civic officials but efforts were hampered by narrow access lanes that prevented the use of heavy machinery, officials said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Recovery efforts for the spacecraft, known as Ship 40, have been hampered by challenging conditions and rough seas.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of hampered

Verb

Adam seems confused by the request, while Ingeborg is perfectly obliging.

— Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Court reporters — not to be confused with journalists who cover court matters — had objected to the state Supreme Court petition, but not to oppose those whose rights were being compromised by the diminished access to official court transcripts.

— Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of confused

Adjective

Some of the kids maybe would leverage it, but a lot of kids might be too embarrassed.

— Aaron Glantz, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
While the actor may have been embarrassed, Bernthal cheered and Evans crowned him the first guest to lose his lunch.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of embarrassed

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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of baffled

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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