nonplus

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

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 nonplus And its performer was no doubt slightly nonplussed, too; Having previously claimed the track could elevate Rita Ora's career to new heights, Warren then called out the British singer for failing to promote it. 8. Jon O'Brien, Billboard, 7 Feb. 2020 Grijalva was nonplussed about the efforts against Sinema, who, like McSally, was in Washington, D.C., for Trump's Senate impeachment trial. Katie Surma, azcentral, 25 Jan. 2020 Gayle has yet to feature for Newcastle this season having picked up a calf injury in pre-season, with manager Steve Bruce concerned after specialists seemed nonplussed when attempting to determine the root cause of the problem. SI.com, 20 Sep. 2019 There is nothing wrong with this gentleman or anyone else who is nonplussed by a book that has been widely hailed by the critical establishment. John Warner, chicagotribune.com, 26 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for nonplus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonplus
Verb
  • But the medical-looking royal blue bottles of nicotine lozenges embarrassed her.
    Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Many of them had to fail, repeat, embarrass themselves, risk everything, and learn.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Dodgers are on Spectrum SportsNet LA, which is not to be confused with Spectrum SportsNet, which carries the Lakers.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But don't confuse him with Chris Evans' Human Torch who first cropped up in the 2005 Fantastic Four film and made a memorable cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine last year.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Jimmy Kimmel flustered guest Pedro Pascal with a suggestive question about Reed Richards' stretchable body parts on Monday's episode of his late-night show.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2025
  • DePaul Prep rallied, though, flustering the Crusaders with a full-court press.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The first 10 minutes of USC’s NCAA tournament debut had been disconcerting enough already.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Poor or limited communication is also deeply disconcerting to candidates and is a key reason for dropping out of the process.
    Rebecca Skilbeck, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Nonplus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonplus. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on nonplus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!