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 next

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 And its performer was no doubt slightly nonplussed, too; Having previously claimed the track could elevate Rita Ora's career to new heights, Warren then called out the British singer for failing to promote it. 8. —

Jon O'Brien, Billboard, 7 Feb. 2020 Grijalva was nonplussed about the efforts against Sinema, who, like McSally, was in Washington, D.C., for Trump's Senate impeachment trial. —

Katie Surma, azcentral, 25 Jan. 2020 There is nothing wrong with this gentleman or anyone else who is nonplussed by a book that has been widely hailed by the critical establishment. —

John Warner, chicagotribune.com, 26 Nov. 2019 While Petty’s criminal past has been a concern to some fans, Minaj is nonplussed. —

Ashley Boucher, PEOPLE.com, 30 Oct. 2019 See All Example Sentences for nonplus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonplus

Verb

Manager Luis Enrique's side then embarrassed Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and survived two late red cards vs. Bayern Munich to win that quarterfinal battle 2-0. PSG vs. Real Madrid Injury, Suspension, Lineup News: Both teams will be missing key pieces along their back lines today.

— Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
The Nuggets, like the current Rockies, were embarrassing themselves regularly before posting an 11-71 record.

— Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 July 2025

Definition of embarrass

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“Nonplus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonplus. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Last Updated: 27 Jul 2025 - Updated example sentences

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