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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of baffled
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Surrounding the headliners are grumpy arena security, who spend the night wearing baffled expressions watching a sea of adults cheer and laugh and applaud over imaginary characters engaged in battles no one can actually see, and rolls of acrylic dice just 16 millimeters in size.
—Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
Now, a development that once baffled educators and administrators is ready to go mainstream.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
Other stories explore similar themes in equally bizarre situations: In 1880s London, a very suave Joseph Merrick, aka The Elephant Man, flirts shamelessly with the smitten wife of his very baffled doctor (Goldsberry and Kind, respectively).
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2024
The development sent House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican members scrambling to come up with a new proposal and baffled senators on both sides of the aisle.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
The most interesting aspect that came out of that time with him — besides a green light to make the movie — was that Bob also was a little baffled about the events that went down in the course of our movie.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Murphy made the remark during an interview with WNYC as the public and lawmakers remain baffled over the source of the large drones.
—Greg Norman, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
The Beatles themselves can only offer bemused waves and baffled chuckles.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Chasing perfection this offseason required Webb to tweak the pitch that, ironically, most baffled hitters.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Surrounding the headliners are grumpy arena security, who spend the night wearing baffled expressions watching a sea of adults cheer and laugh and applaud over imaginary characters engaged in battles no one can actually see, and rolls of acrylic dice just 16 millimeters in size.
—Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
Now, a development that once baffled educators and administrators is ready to go mainstream.
—Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
Other stories explore similar themes in equally bizarre situations: In 1880s London, a very suave Joseph Merrick, aka The Elephant Man, flirts shamelessly with the smitten wife of his very baffled doctor (Goldsberry and Kind, respectively).
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Dec. 2024
The development sent House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican members scrambling to come up with a new proposal and baffled senators on both sides of the aisle.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
The most interesting aspect that came out of that time with him — besides a green light to make the movie — was that Bob also was a little baffled about the events that went down in the course of our movie.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Murphy made the remark during an interview with WNYC as the public and lawmakers remain baffled over the source of the large drones.
—Greg Norman, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
The Beatles themselves can only offer bemused waves and baffled chuckles.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baffled
Adjective
-
Jacob Bernstein joins us to discuss the story that has riveted—and perplexed—Hollywood.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Despite this return, her limited appearances on WWE television, consisting of only two matches, have left fans perplexed and curious about her current status.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The outspoken owner wants to win and seems to be frustrated at the state of his team.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
At the time when Adam-Geller launched PAIGE in 2004, she was frustrated with the current denim offerings not taking into account real women’s bodies as they were mostly designed by men.—
Yola Robert,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In the two years since Tommy Elliott was killed in a mass shooting, Maryanne Elliott’s grief has, in turns, left her aghast and overwhelmed, bewildered and incapacitated, grateful and wanting to die.—
Kristina Goetz,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
-
In the now-viral video, the tuxedo cat crawls out from under the bed, wide-eyed and bewildered.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Baffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baffled. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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