Synonyms of thwart

thwart

verb

ˈthwȯrt 

as in to frustrate

to prevent from achieving a goal

a coalition of grassroots organizations thwarted the company's efforts to get approval for a new power plant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frustrate
• hamper
• prevent
• baffle
• hinder
• defeat
• impede
• stop
• overcome
• foil
• balk
• halt
• beat
• obstruct
• inhibit
• discomfit
• checkmate
• preclude
• forestall
• block
• avert
• obviate
• nullify
• arrest
• interfere (with)
• neutralize
• counteract
• encumber
• hobble
• hold back
• set back
• tie up
• clog
• handicap
• stall
• check
• conquer
• negate
• offset
• bar
• shackle
• short-circuit
• fetter
• trammel
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• promote
• encourage
• forward
• assist
• advance
• foster
• cultivate
• further
• aid
• facilitate
• nurture
• abet
• ease
• smooth

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb thwart differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of thwart are baffle, balk, foil, and frustrate. While all these words mean "to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal," thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

When is baffle a more appropriate choice than thwart?

The synonyms baffle and thwart are sometimes interchangeable, but baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

When is it sensible to use balk instead of thwart?

The meanings of balk and thwart largely overlap; however, balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

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

In what contexts can foil take the place of thwart?

In some situations, the words foil and thwart are roughly equivalent. However, foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

When could frustrate be used to replace thwart?

The words frustrate and thwart are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of thwart

That thwarted the Knicks’ offense, as Wembanyama had three blocks in the game’s first four minutes and five blocks in the first 14. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026

The Toyotas then took control in the closing hours, with the No 20 BMW staying close and then thwarting a Toyota 1-2, as the No 8’s tires wore. —Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 14 June 2026

Trump made the announcement as bipartisan backlash to Pulte’s appointment as interim director thwarted the extension of an important spy program earlier Thursday when Democrats who were initially expected to vote in favor of the extension revoked their support. —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Some of those threats have been thwarted. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026

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