baffling
ADJECTIVE
1. Difficult to understand or explain
Causing complete confusion or perplexity because something is difficult to understand, interpret, or explain.
1.1. Puzzling and perplexing
Describing something that is confusing, mysterious, or difficult to make sense of, even after careful thought or investigation.
Synonyms
- abstruse
- befuddling
- bemusing
- bewildering
- confounding
- confusing
- enigmatic
- flummoxing
- mystifying
- perplexing
- puzzling
- stumping
Antonyms
- clear
- clear-cut
- comprehensible
- lucid
- perspicuous
- transparent
- unambiguous
- unequivocal
Examples
- The disappearance of the keys remains a baffling mystery.
- His behavior was utterly baffling, and nobody could explain it.
- The instructions were so poorly written that they were baffling to everyone.
Related Words
- incomprehensible
- inexplicable
- inscrutable
- unfathomable
- unclear
- unintelligible
1.2. Frustrating and disconcerting
Describing something that causes frustration, uneasiness, or distress because it is difficult to understand or resolve.
Synonyms
- disconcerting
- discomfiting
- discomforting
- disquieting
- distressing
- disturbing
- frustrating
- mystifying
- perplexing
- unsettling
- vexing
Antonyms
- comforting
- encouraging
- reassuring
- satisfying
Examples
- The baffling delays frustrated everyone waiting for the official announcement.
- It was baffling and distressing that nobody could explain the sudden system failure.
Related Words
- agitating
- bothering
- discomposing
- dismaying
- perturbing
- upsetting
VERB
2. Deceiving or misleading someone
To trick, fool, or mislead someone by creating a false impression or causing them to believe something untrue.
2.1. Tricking or hoodwinking someone
Deliberately misleading someone through deception, manipulation, or confusing information.
Synonyms
- bamboozling
- buffaloing
- cozening
- deceiving
- deluding
- duping
- fooling
- gulling
- hoodwinking
- misguiding
- misleading
- snowing
- stringing along
- tricking
Antonyms
- enlightening
- informing
Examples
- The salesman was baffling customers with misleading explanations.
- The elaborate scheme was baffling unsuspecting investors.
Related Words
- beguiling
- cheating
- conning
- defrauding
- hoaxing
- humbugging
- swindling
VERB
3. Obstructing or thwarting an effort
To prevent an action or plan from succeeding by creating obstacles or interfering with its progress.
3.1. Hindering or frustrating progress
Creating difficulties that obstruct, delay, or prevent someone from achieving an intended objective.
Synonyms
- balking
- blocking
- foiling
- frustrating
- hampering
- handicapping
- hindering
- impeding
- obstructing
- precluding
- preventing
- setting back
- thwarting
Antonyms
- abetting
- advancing
- aiding
- assisting
- facilitating
- fostering
- furthering
- promoting
- supporting
Examples
- Technical difficulties were baffling the team's efforts to complete the project.
- Unexpected obstacles kept baffling their attempts to reach an agreement.
Related Words
- barring
- checking
- clogging
- encumbering
- forestalling
- holding back
- inhibiting
- stalling
- stopping