frustrate

verb

ˈfrə-ˌstrāt How to pronounce frustrate (audio)
Definition of frustratenext
1
as in to thwart
to prevent from achieving a goal a multitude of conflicting opinions frustrated me in my attempt to find a computer that best suits my needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to discourage
to lessen the courage or confidence of challenge the math student, but don't frustrate him or her with overly difficult problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But presidents of both parties have been frustrated by universal injunctions that stop their orders nationwide. —Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025 So if Trump isn’t particularly frustrated at Bondi at the moment, those relentless questions might irk him down the line. —Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 8 July 2025 Many patients come to my clinic frustrated and seeking clear answers. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 8 July 2025 But some are frustrated with this corridor’s lack of inclusion. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for frustrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustrate
  1. thwart
  2. discourage
  3. hamper
  4. baffle
  5. hinder
  6. impede
  7. prevent
  8. defeat
Verb
  • The concept and storyboard work began in the late 90s, but 9/11 happened and plans to film in Africa were thwarted.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Norton AntiVirus Plus excels with top scores from independent labs and includes a powerful Data Protector feature to thwart ransomware attacks.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
Definition of thwart
Verb
  • About 9% of workers said their employers actively discourage them from taking all the time off they’re owed.
    — George Petras, USA Today, 18 July 2025
  • Get rid of brush piles, which may discourage them from hanging around to forage, says Pierce. Consider using grub control products on your lawn.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
Definition of discourage
Verb
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • One of the central concerns is whether Trump administration cuts to the National Weather Service — the backbone of the country’s weather warning system — will hamper local governments and residents from staving off disaster when severe weather strikes.
    — William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of hamper
Verb
  • Money terms and concepts continue to baffle people, many of whom are seeking answers through online searches.
    — Russ Wiles, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.
    — Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of baffle
Verb
  • While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • And further change to Apple’s executive ranks might hinder their efforts to expand in AI.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Definition of hinder
Verb
  • Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
  • Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of impede
Verb
  • Until now, there was no centralized system in place to prevent double billing, which enabled overpayments to go unnoticed.
    — Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • Transparency rules have been introduced to prevent conflicts of interest among contractors and design professionals involved in inspections and repairs.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
Definition of prevent
Verb
  • The Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the 2024 World Series four games to one.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The 2025 race, in which Crawford defeated conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel, topped $100 million in spending.
    — Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

frumpy
frustrate
frustrated
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Cite this Entry

“Frustrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustrate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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