baffling

adjective

baf·​fling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce baffling (audio)
: extremely confusing or difficult to understand
a baffling decision
found the directions utterly baffling
bafflingly adverb
a bafflingly complex explanation

Examples of baffling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Some baffling decisions were made that fundamentally alter not only her characterization and arc, but the very nature of the story itself. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 These new elements are neither remarkable nor unwelcome, but devoting time to them at the expense of Stitch is an utterly baffling decision. Barry Levitt, Time, 21 May 2025 Even the acres of baffling dialogue are delivered swiftly. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 14 May 2025 There’s the energy and fight, which seems to have gone out of this team like an electric factory doused by a baffling power outage, and the frustration that there don’t seem to be any clear solutions, never mind quick fixes. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for baffling

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baffling was in 1783

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Cite this Entry

“Baffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baffling. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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