Synonyms of nonplus

nonplus

verb

as in to embarrass

to throw into a state of self-conscious distress

I was nonplussed by his openly expressed admiration of me

Synonyms & Similar Words

• embarrass
• confuse
• fluster
• disconcert
• rattle
• bother
• mortify
• disturb
• faze
• upset
• discomfit
• abash
• discountenance
• confound
• unsettle
• distress
• humiliate
• discomfort
• perturb
• humble
• dismay
• discompose
• disquiet
• agitate
• shame
• put off
• unhinge
• demean
• chagrin
• debase
• put out
• queer
• degrade

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relieve
• calm
• comfort
• soothe
• console
• encourage
• cheer
• assure
• reassure
• hearten
• buoy
• embolden

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb nonplus differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nonplus are bewilder, confound, distract, dumbfound, perplex, and puzzle. While all these words mean "to baffle and disturb mentally," nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

Where would bewilder be a reasonable alternative to nonplus?

While the synonyms bewilder and nonplus are close in meaning, bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

In what contexts can confound take the place of nonplus?

While in some cases nearly identical to nonplus, confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

When could distract be used to replace nonplus?

The words distract and nonplus are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

When would dumbfound be a good substitute for nonplus?

Although the words dumbfound and nonplus have much in common, dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

When is it sensible to use perplex instead of nonplus?

The synonyms perplex and nonplus are sometimes interchangeable, but perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

When might puzzle be a better fit than nonplus?

In some situations, the words puzzle and nonplus are roughly equivalent. However, puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nonplus

After the Hateful Eight filmmaker accused author Suzanne Collins of copying the Japanese novel and movie Battle Royale when writing the first installment of her young adult sci-fi novel series, Hutcherson appeared nonplussed by Tarantino's remarks. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025

Not only was former SPIN cover star LP nonplussed by it, but the artist also managed to draw Friday afternoon’s biggest audience. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 May 2023

Ecker was nonplused when asked how her husband’s shoelessness has limited their life. —Katherine Rosman, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Mar. 2023

Industry experts were nonplussed that the government chose a company that plans weddings and corporate parties over experienced food distributors that submitted bids. —Tom Orsborn, ExpressNews.com, 14 May 2020

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