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.

Different methodologies and outcomes for the Gauge and Big Data + Panel frustrate TV operators and confuse marketers looking to allocate spending as next month’s upfront ad sales events approach, according to Marshall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

This matters because much of the inflation and stagnation that frustrate households today isn’t about demand.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 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

The absence of an Eiffel challenger continued to frustrate Burnham.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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