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
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 Audience and industry seem relatively nonplussed about this, more concerned with the questions of authenticity raised by tributary vocal delivery. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 Madison got her own pole at home for dance practice—installed by her somewhat nonplussed, but very supportive father. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonplussed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonplussed
Adjective
  • But 100 days into the second Trump administration, those leaders are perplexed and concerned.
    Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 12 May 2025
  • Unlike last week — or most others this season, come to think of it — no one totally nails it, nor really expects to (… except for Massimo, who’s clearly perplexed when his mussel-and-clam pie ends up in the safe middle).
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • After staying at the shelter, Caboose eventually underwent surgery to get spayed and get their hernia repaired, but that's when doctors found something that left them bewildered.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Delap’s cannon shoulders struck fear into a baffled division, like a medieval army who looked across the battlefield and realised that the opposing forces had technology far beyond theirs.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 22 May 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
  • 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
  • The scene came up because the Lawrence brothers, who are all actors, were talking about having been nervous or even embarrassed in certain scenes.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 10 June 2025
  • Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, was embarrassed in March when The Atlantic magazine's editor-in-chief was mistakenly included in a Signal chat in which the defense secretary discussed upcoming military strikes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • If nothing else, Lilo & Stitch now lacks a flustered beefcake.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • The black luxury bus pulled up to the front entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel Austin at twilight, and when Jim Irsay disembarked — cane in hand, flustered expression on his weathered face — something seemed a little off.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nonplussed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonplussed. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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