Synonym Chooser

How does the verb frustrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of frustrate are baffle, balk, foil, and thwart. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than frustrate?

The words baffle and frustrate can be used in similar contexts, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When could balk be used to replace frustrate?

In some situations, the words balk and frustrate are roughly equivalent. However, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

When might foil be a better fit than frustrate?

The words foil and frustrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

In what contexts can thwart take the place of frustrate?

The meanings of thwart and frustrate largely overlap; however, thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

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 frustrate Fellow senior Mikel Miller frustrated the Bulldogs (18-8) with his long 6-foot-8 frame on the other end, blocking six shots while accumulating his own double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) to help push the Mustangs (17-9) into the Final Four for the second year in a row. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025 And as lawmakers grow increasingly frustrated with their own inability to get information, momentum for reform is building. Bobby Block, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025 Reports suggest that some Republican lawmakers are frustrated with Musk’s bluster and that the DOGE approach to slashing the federal bureaucracy is angering constituents and making lawmakers less popular in their districts. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said Tuesday that Trump is frustrated with the Russian position but that talks continue. Barak Ravid, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustrate
Verb
  • Our favorite bike locks for every ride, including new locks designed to thwart angle grinders.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Tanya and Greg were Season 2’s returning characters, and the season ended with Tanya accidentally dying while trying to thwart a murder plot, apparently arranged by Greg’s associates.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In Maui, while some of the island’s celebrity homeowners initially discouraged visitors from returning, the region was welcoming people back two months after the wildfires, says Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, chief stewardship officer at the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
    Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That change is avoidable, Dalio said, if lawmakers work together to trim the deficit and the U.S. discourages conflict and inefficient policy on the global stage.
    Russell Leung, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Aly Song | Reuters Trump's tariffs on China are already hampering Christmas sales.
    Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox,Christina Wilkie,Erin Doherty,Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The daytime setting undermined their gimmicks, and Wyatt's early ankle injury hampered his performance, leading to a slow, unengaging match that failed to live up to the intriguing potential of the pairing.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Two endangered whales are baffling researchers by continuing to show up along a stretch of U.S coast that is not part of their turf, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s mass tariffs have baffled Americans, creating uncertainty for the average consumer, according to industry leaders.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Arbitrary rules shouldn’t hinder deserved recognition.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Objections from the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), however, may hinder plans for the new landing pads on the South Pacific atoll.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Maintaining a vigorous, healthy lawn is a good way to impede weed establishment and problematic perennials like dandelions.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Williams’ Carlos Sainz initially qualified 12th but was handed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Hamilton, causing a shakeup in the order of those who were knocked out in Q2.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps more important, though, is doing your best to prevent those flares in the first place.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Some states, such as California, New Jersey and Illinois, have sanctuary laws that prevent local jurisdictions from signing 287(g) agreements.
    Julia Ingram, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the play-in tournament before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that would have sent them to the playoffs as the No.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In his first defense of the IBF crown, Ennis defeated David Avanesyan when the fight was halted before the start of the sixth round.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustrate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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