nonplussed 1 of 2

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

nonplussed

2 of 2

verb

variants also nonplused
past tense of nonplus

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
Adjective
Crosby often comes off as nonplussed after moving up the NHL scoring charts. Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 That nonplussed energy that is actually, in fact, very much plussed. Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 18 Nov. 2024 The kids are nonplussed, with the novelty of silly voices wearing off after a few stories. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024 For however much preparation had assuredly gone into putting up a 20-night engagement in the massive dome, Henley sounded in those five words just as nonplussed as any veteran of the low-glitz 1970s probably ought to be. Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for nonplussed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonplussed
Adjective
  • Despite this return, her limited appearances on WWE television, consisting of only two matches, have left fans perplexed and curious about her current status.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • LaCroix shared a series of Instagram posts announcing the launch, and the reception has been, well, a little perplexed.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Spaun looked bewildered as Rory stalked past him toward the 17th green.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The resulting bloodshed brings the pair of goofy gendarmes into bewildered action, as the Zero cavalry trots in on short-legged white horses and Jony, Line, Rudy, and the local One leader, Jane (Anamaria Vartolomei), deploy on their respective sides.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Surrounding the headliners are grumpy arena security, who spend the night wearing baffled expressions watching a sea of adults cheer and laugh and applaud over imaginary characters engaged in battles no one can actually see, and rolls of acrylic dice just 16 millimeters in size.
    Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Now, a development that once baffled educators and administrators is ready to go mainstream.
    Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024
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
  • 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
  • Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask about benefits.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • But patriarch Samuel prefers to remain off camera, already embarrassed after being forced to give up his medical practice after getting prison time for health care fraud.
    Stephen Saito, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In it, Rogen plays a flustered Hollywood executive who gets an unexpected promotion as the head of a movie studio after his boss is fired.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Many of the world’s best players left flustered by Pete and Alice Dye’s grand examination.
    Justin Ray, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nonplussed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonplussed. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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