thwart

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

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 thwart One of Boutros’ other notable cases took down former Edgewater Medical Center owner Peter Rogan, who was sentenced to 21 months in prison in 2015 for trying to thwart collection of more than $188 million in civil judgments, in part by moving funds to offshore accounts in the Bahamas. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025 Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin has said that Russian spies had helped thwart the protests against President Aleksandar Vucic, Reuters reported. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 The courts are the avenue many on the left see as the best way to thwart Trump's agenda. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025 Extradition of the pair is the latest in federal efforts to thwart smuggling on the high seas. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thwart
Verb
  • 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
  • Although Russia’s presence in the region is less visible than China’s, its influence operations continue to frustrate the United States, and at little cost to the Kremlin.
    MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Frederiksen said that other European nations are also on Denmark's side in this back-and-forth with Trump, already hampering the ties between the U.S. and its allies since Trump regained office.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With a starting rotation hampered by injuries, the Mets are going to rely on the offense and bullpen to get them through the beginning of the season.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These include: Prescription medication: Your healthcare provider may prescribe eye drops that help your eyes produce more tears or prevent evaporation.
    Sarah Bence, Health, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Public-private partnerships can bolster this effort by funding and implementing robust digital infrastructure, preventing advances in AI and computing from becoming the exclusive privilege of wealthier communities.
    Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thwart. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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