NONPLUS Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

nonplus

verb

Definition of nonplus

as in to embarrass

to throw into a state of self-conscious distress I was nonplussed by his openly expressed admiration of me

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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 So as the Rams prepare to face wintery and blustery conditions in their divisional round playoff game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field – a mere 90-minute drive from Mevis’ hometown in Warsaw, Indiana –the kicker is nonplussed about the weather report. — Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026 After the Hateful Eight filmmaker accused author Suzanne Collins of copying the Japanese novel and movie Battle Royale when writing the first installment of her young adult sci-fi novel series, Hutcherson appeared nonplussed by Tarantino's remarks. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025 Not only was former SPIN cover star LP nonplussed by it, but the artist also managed to draw Friday afternoon’s biggest audience. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 May 2023 Ecker was nonplused when asked how her husband’s shoelessness has limited their life. — Katherine Rosman, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for nonplus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonplus

Verb

Spreading a rumor or creating a fake account to embarrass someone can cause lasting harm.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
The operation has brought a fuel crisis that is embarrassing the Kremlin.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of embarrass

Verb

The Studio Behind The Technology Annapurna Studios (not to be confused with the Megan Ellison-founded Annapurna Pictures in Hollywood) has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for half a century.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
But there is the risk that his strategy will backfire by confusing investors.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

Saliba is rarely flustered, so to see his game affected as much as it was made an impression.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 17 July 2026
The Germans dominated the match after the break but struggled to break down Paraguay’s defense as the South Americans once again assumed the compact defending that had flustered Turkey and Australia in the opening group stage.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Definition of fluster

Verb

It is filled with off-putting, perhaps even disconcerting antics, and teams don't want to add that to their locker room.

— Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
One less gory but still disconcerting video shown in court was the bodycam footage from the night in February 2024 when members of the LA County Sheriff’s Department paid a visit to Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 22 July 2026

Definition of disconcert

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“Nonplus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonplus. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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