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Showing results for frustrate.
Definitions

frustrate

[fruhs-treyt] / ˈfrʌs treɪt /
VERB
thwart, disappoint
Synonyms
STRONGEST
baffle confront depress discourage dishearten hinder
STRONG
annul arrest balk bar beat block cancel check circumvent conquer counter counteract cramp crimp dash defeat foil forbid forestall halt impede inhibit lick negate neutralize nullify obstruct obviate outwit overcome preclude prevent prohibit ruin stump stymie
WEAK
cramp one's style dash one's hope foul up give the runaround hang up hold up render null and void upset the apple cart
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist encourage hearten help inspirit
STRONG
abet allow approve forward give up let go lose open permit push release retreat support surrender validate yield
WEAK
cooperate facilitate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sauer couldn’t give a straight answer, which seemed to frustrate the justice.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

She also saw her players start to let calls and miscommunications frustrate them: “I didn’t think our next-play speed was as good as it has been, and it affects you,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Chelsea's huddles appeared to frustrate Aston Villa players and fans during the Blues' recent 4-1 win at Villa Park, with the home fans booing the visitors during the half-time interval.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

DeFi promises anonymity, cheap conversion into stablecoins, and ownership structures opaque enough to frustrate enforcement.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

A soldier stood by to frustrate the designs of thieves.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.