nonplussed

/ˌnɑːnˈplʌst/
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Perplexed and unable to respond, with a related verb use and a newer chiefly US sense meaning unfazed.

Examples

  • The committee was nonplussed by the missing figures in the report.
  • I was completely nonplussed by the answer.
  • For once, the confident lawyer seemed nonplussed.
  • The sudden change of plan nonplussed the team.
  • He looked nonplussed when the quiet room burst into applause.

Similar words

perplexed
baffled
nonchalant
confounded
stumped
indifferent
bewildered
stumped
flummoxed
dumbfounded

Meanings

Perplexed and at a loss

adjective
emotion
neutral
So puzzled or surprised that response, decision, or speech briefly fails.

Examples

  • The sudden accusation left her nonplussed for a moment.
  • He looked nonplussed when the quiet room burst into applause.
  • The committee was nonplussed by the missing figures in the report.
  • I was completely nonplussed by the answer.
  • For once, the confident lawyer seemed nonplussed.

Similar words

Made unable to respond

verb
communication
formal
Caused someone to be perplexed, stopped short, or unable to continue easily.

Examples

  • The witness's calm reply nonplussed the prosecutor.
  • Her unexpected silence nonplussed everyone at the table.
  • The contradiction had nonplussed even the experts.
  • A simple question nonplussed the usually fluent speaker.
  • The sudden change of plan nonplussed the team.

Similar words

Unfazed or unimpressed

adjective
usage
informal
Calm, unmoved, or not visibly impressed, a newer chiefly US use that many readers still find confusing.

Examples

  • The fans expected a speech, but the coach seemed nonplussed by the attention.
  • She remained nonplussed as the debate grew louder around her.
  • The clerk was nonplussed by the long line and kept working steadily.
  • He sounded almost nonplussed about the award.
  • The actor looked nonplussed by the sudden fame.

Similar words

Etymology

From nonplus, a state where nothing more can be said or done, from Latin non plus, "no more" or "no further".

FAQ

What does nonplussed mean?

Nonplussed traditionally means perplexed, baffled, or unsure how to respond.

Can nonplussed mean unfazed?

Yes, especially in chiefly US use, but many readers still treat that sense as confusing or nonstandard.

What is the safest synonym for nonplussed?

For the traditional sense, perplexed, baffled, or flummoxed is usually safest.

Why is nonplussed confusing?

The first part looks like the negative prefix non-, but the word comes from Latin non plus, meaning no more.

Is nonplussed an adjective or a verb?

It is commonly an adjective, and it can also be the past tense or past participle of the verb nonplus.

What should replace nonplussed when it means calm?

Use unfazed, unimpressed, or unbothered when the calm sense needs to be unmistakable.

Comments & contributions

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Golden Shrew
Jul 14
You may see the older noun too: at a nonplus, brought to a nonplus. It means a state of being stuck or baffled. Sounds old-fashioned now, but it explains the word better than the fake idea that there is a normal word plussed hiding behind it
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Contribution
Cosmic Weasel
Jul 9
If you mean calm, just say unfazed. nonplussed is a trap word
2
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Contribution
Olive Camel
Jun 30
The unfazed meaning is real in American writing, not just a random internet mistake, but it is still the kind of usage that starts arguments. American Heritage had 57 percent of its Usage Panel reject that sense in 2013. So for a school paper, legal note, medical chart, anything where you dont want ambiguity, unfazed is the boring better word.
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Early Macaw
Jul 6
yep, being defensible doesnt mean readers wont trip over it
2
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Frosty Pheasant
Jun 10
One-s nonplused is in dictionaries, btw. Merriam-Webster has nonplussed also nonplused, and American Heritage lists it too. I still use the double s because otherwise somebody will circle it in red
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