Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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

“This isn’t what we expected in any way, and it seems to frustrate our expectations. I can’t see most people supporting this,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

Even if a 3-2 scoreline would frustrate, it may save jobs when the review does come after this series with a win even more important for the coaching staff than the players.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

This is where the internet can frustrate me because something starts as a rumor and then goes around, then it’s fact.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2025

I can’t understand what she’s saying, of course, which seems to frustrate the squirrel.

From "Dragons in a Bag" by Zetta Elliott

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