baffling

Beyond easy comprehension

Baffling describes something that confuses or puzzles completely, resisting explanation or understanding: The detective faced a baffling series of clues that led nowhere.

What's baffling isn't merely unclear—it actively defies comprehension, leaving you stumped.

confusing

perplexing

Causing mental confusion

bewilderingCausing utter confusion
puzzlingCausing confusion or bewilderment
mystifyingCausing complete confusion

confounding · disorienting · vexing · befuddling · disconcerting · mind-boggling · stupefying · flummoxing · bemusing · unsettling

inexplicable

unexplainable

Impossible to account for

unfathomableBeyond comprehension or measurement
incomprehensibleImpossible to understand
unaccountableNot required to justify

inscrutable · impenetrable · mysterious · enigmatic · unknowable · inconceivable · senseless · illogical · irrational · groundless

complex

convoluted

Excessively complex or twisted

intricateElaborately detailed, many parts
complicatedDifficult to understand
labyrinthineExtremely complex and winding

tangled · knotty · abstruse · arcane · esoteric · opaque · obscure · dense · cryptic · recondite

Categories

confusing actionsmisleading, misdirecting, obfuscating, muddling, garbling
mysteriousmysterious, cryptic, enigmatic, arcane, obscure
strangenessodd, weird, strange, bizarre, peculiar
challengeschallenge, difficult, hard, challenging, tough
overwhelming verbsflooding, drowning, crushing, smothering, swamping
Unfamiliar Thingsstranger, unknown, mystery, enigma, novelty

Opposites

comprehensibility

bafflingclear

Without obstruction or fog

comprehensible · understandable · obvious · evident · apparent

cognitive effort required

bafflingstraightforward

Clear and uncomplicated

simple · easy · uncomplicated · intuitive · hassle-free

Phrases

baffling windUnpredictable directional airflow

Family

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G