variants
also nonplused
as in perplexed
faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do
the self-possessed actress seemed uncharacteristically nonplussed after the director's harsh appraisal of her performance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also nonplused
as in embarrassed
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress
I was nonplussed by his openly expressed admiration of me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nonplussed
Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
And as Marty Di Bergi, the nonplussed documentarian following Tap on their American tour, Reiner is the movie’s marvelous straight man.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
So as the Rams prepare to face wintery and blustery conditions in their divisional round playoff game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field – a mere 90-minute drive from Mevis’ hometown in Warsaw, Indiana –the kicker is nonplussed about the weather report.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nonplussed
Adjective
The former Miami Heat player gave his wife a kiss as their daughter, Kaavia, looked on with her trademark nonplussed expression.
—Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
And as Marty Di Bergi, the nonplussed documentarian following Tap on their American tour, Reiner is the movie’s marvelous straight man.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
But killing the compact SUVs, especially the Escape, has left some industry analysts and car dealers nonplussed because the Escape has long been a top seller and there is no other vehicle in Ford's lineup to exactly replace it to keep Escape customers in the Ford family.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
So as the Rams prepare to face wintery and blustery conditions in their divisional round playoff game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field – a mere 90-minute drive from Mevis’ hometown in Warsaw, Indiana –the kicker is nonplussed about the weather report.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nonplussed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonplussed
Adjective
-
Travelers who happen by the small town of Ida Grove, Iowa, about 100 miles north of Omaha, might be intrigued (and a little perplexed) by the castle-like structures that sprang from the vision of Byron Godbersen, founder of Midwest Industries.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
Midwest Living,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Even Ohtani seemed perplexed by the break on McLean’s sweeper.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The transparency issue also became important after the board embarrassed itself by quietly boosting board members’ pay by 25% — with Foley being the only member opposed.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
16 Apr. 2026
-
And, as if embarrassed by the whole business, the show will do something crazy to blast the tear from your eye.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One outcome — perhaps, a five-point plan While Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and others are actively pursuing diplomacy, Iran and Israel are not interested, and the United States appears baffled and unsteady.—
Daniel Kurtzer,
New York Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
One of the best examples of that is phantom limb pain, which for a long time baffled people.—
Margaret Cirino,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Rockets were confused, Durant being a late scratch and their attack being lost without him, Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson combining for 38 shots and a bunch of misses.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Several residents say they were left scared and confused as strong winds and heavy rain moved through the area.—
Hannah McIlree,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Connie is bewildered but happy about this.—
Alice Burton,
Vulture,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This sometimes left audience members bewildered about what had actually happened.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Mexican club put LAFC under pressure from the opening whistle, as the hosts appeared a step slow and a tad flustered during the first 20 minutes.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Why does Self sound flustered with the situation after games, then flustered with the people talking about the situation in between games?—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nonplussed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonplussed. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
