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Synonyms

nonplus

American  
[non-pluhs] / nɒnˈplʌs /

verb (used with object)

nonplussed, nonplused, nonplussing, nonplusing

  1. to render utterly perplexed by something unexpected; puzzle completely.

    He nonplussed his questioners by answering in riddles.
    Synonyms:
    disconcert, confound, confuse, perplex

  2. to cause to feel indifferent, calm, or unexcited.

    The shoppers were entirely nonplussed by the disturbance in the street, continuing to gaze at window displays as they strolled along.

noun

  1. a state of utter perplexity.

    When the protagonist's wife suddenly disappears, he's at a nonplus and fights with two different feelings.
nonplus British  
/ nɒnˈplʌs /

verb

  1. (tr) to put at a loss; confound

    he was nonplussed by the sudden announcement
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a state of utter perplexity prohibiting action or speech

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

See nonplussed ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of nonplus

First recorded in 1575–85; (noun) from Latin nōn plūs literally, “not more, no further,” that is, a state in which nothing more can be done

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He found cross-examinations mentally invigorating, soon learned that he could nonplus storming attorneys if he kept smiling no matter how galling their insinuations.

From Time Magazine Archive

Though to distinguish beasts of prey A novice might nonplus; Yet from the Crocodile you may Tell the Hyena, thus: 'Tis the Hyena if it smile; If weeping, 'tis the Crocodile.

From The Wit and Humor of America, Volume IV. (of X.) by Wilder, Marshall Pinckney

"Gertrude goes with me," I replied stoutly; for I thought Cousin John looked pleased, and Sir Guy was at a nonplus.

From Kate Coventry An Autobiography by Whyte-Melville, G. J.

Here is the question indeed, that would have driven the whole world to a nonplus, if once the majesty and holiness of God had been seen.

From The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning by Binning, Hugh

But at times some extremely artless animadversions are heard that almost nonplus us.

From Popular scientific lectures by Mach, Ernst

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.