Replace the underlined word with the most appropriate synonym:-

John found himself frequently stumped by the kind of questions his 3-year-old son asked.

baffled

The correct answer is Option (3) → baffled

• Stumped means to be completely unable to answer a question or solve a problem; to be perplexed or puzzled.

• Baffled means to be totally bewildered or perplexed. This word most closely captures the sense of being unable to understand or answer complex, often unexpected, questions.

  Why the Other Options Are Incorrect: 

• Aghast and Horrified mean struck with overwhelming shock or terror (related to fear/distress).

• Irritated means feeling annoyed, impatient, or slightly angry (relates to emotion, not inability to answer).