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
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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
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Recent Examples of nonplussed
Francesca Street, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
McCarthy, just on the outside of that speed, was nonplussed.
—Dana O'Neil, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Yep, see how absolutely knackered and completely nonplussed the players are from a totally new angle.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
From the condom in the soup, no, chowder (that’s not how Ina Garten makes her chowder), to the diners’ nonplussed reactions when Yancy tells them all to stop eating, all the food inspector stuff is an absolute hoot.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for nonplussed
Adjective
Take TikTok user Taylor Hamm’s airport dancing video, for example, in which a nonplussed airport janitor directly walks through her frame.
—Francesca Street, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
McCarthy, just on the outside of that speed, was nonplussed.
—Dana O'Neil, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Yep, see how absolutely knackered and completely nonplussed the players are from a totally new angle.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
From the condom in the soup, no, chowder (that’s not how Ina Garten makes her chowder), to the diners’ nonplussed reactions when Yancy tells them all to stop eating, all the food inspector stuff is an absolute hoot.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for nonplussed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonplussed
Adjective
-
The scientific community, equally perplexed, largely ignored the paper for more than a decade.—
Siddhartha Mukherjee,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
-
The trade stunned the sport, perplexed rival executives and devastated Bostonians.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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There were also problems connecting to the internet and to phone networks, leaving many bewildered and unable to obtain information.—
Catherine Porter,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Tornado is a bewildered Japanese girl (played by pop singer Kôki) who fights off a horde of white men, thieving gold vagabonds who represent both Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Celtic ancestry.—
Armond White,
National Review,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
What baffled doctors, however, was that the bone was not lodged in her throat but buried in the muscle tissue of her neck.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
3 July 2025
-
Fans, of course, remain baffled and angry and depressed over the lack of any visible progress on Martin’s sixth A Song Of Ice And Fire novel, The Winds Of Winter.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
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Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Pastor Richard Reynolds told parents not be embarrassed asking for help from the community.—
Matthew Cupelli,
IndyStar,
5 July 2025
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Sailor's owner, Abigail Crouch, 24, was left feeling rather embarrassed when her adorable vigilante had to be carried out of the building by the doorman, Eric.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
In America, my mother had obtained a license but didn’t drive, having once hesitated too long at a changing traffic light and gotten flustered.—
Jhumpa Lahiri,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
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Comments How to make a lasting first impression with Kate Hudson: show up flustered and sweaty.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nonplussed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonplussed. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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