nonplus

noun

non·plus | \ ˌnän-ˈpləs

Definition of nonplus

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a state of bafflement or perplexity : quandary … reducing the young man to a nonplus …— Leigh Hunt … appear to be at a nonplus …— George Borrow

nonplus

verb

nonplussed also nonplused\ ˌnän-ˈpləst

\; nonplussing also nonplusing\ ˌnän-ˈplə-siŋ

Definition of nonplus (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do : perplex nonplussed by the disclosure — Newsweek this turn of events nonplusses me— J. R. Perkins

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Don't Let Nonplus Perplex You More Example Sentences Learn More about nonplus

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for nonplus

Verb

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally. puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve. the persistent fever puzzled the doctor perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision. a behavior that perplexed her friends bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking. a bewildering number of possibilities distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests. distracted by personal problems nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible. the remark left us utterly nonplussed confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement. the tragic news confounded us all 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

Don't Let Nonplus Perplex You

Verb

Does nonplus perplex you? You aren't alone. Some people believe the "non" in nonplus means "not" and assume that to be nonplussed is to be calm and poised when just the opposite is true. If you are among the baffled, the word's history may clarify things. In Latin, non plus means "no more." In the earliest known uses, which date to the 16th century, it was used as a noun synonymous with quandary. Someone brought to a nonplus had reached an impasse in an argument and could say no more. Within a few decades of the first known use of the noun, people began using nonplus as a verb, and today it is often used in participial form with the meaning "perplexed" (as in "Joellen's nasty remark left us utterly nonplussed").

Examples of nonplus in a Sentence

Verb

I was nonplussed by his openly expressed admiration of me.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Thankfully, Monzo’s fees aren’t nearly as steep, but some customers appear nonplussed by the metal bling. — Matthew De Silva, Quartz, "Does anyone really need a metal bank card?," 6 Aug. 2019 Some members of the law-school faculty were nonplussed by his media presence, his self-promotion, and his decision to take on cases while teaching. — Connie Bruck, The New Yorker, "Alan Dershowitz, Devil’s Advocate," 5 Aug. 2018 There is no macho homophobia from Ernesto, who is simply nonplussed. — Randy Cordova, azcentral, "In 'Papi Chulo,' a lonely weatherman and a day laborer form a delightful friendship," 10 June 2019 Ivy) looks a little nonplussed at the whole matching situation. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Is Jessica Mulroney About to Meet Meghan Markle's Son Archie for the First Time?," 15 May 2019 Remaining nonplussed in the face of extreme bodily risk is all in a day’s work for Vikander, who has made a career out of shape-shifting seamlessly into radically strong female characters in thoughtful indie films and commercial blockbusters alike. — Harper's BAZAAR, "Alicia Vikander Leaps to New Heights—in Life and Fashion," 13 Mar. 2019 But that wasn’t enough for Barr, then Roseanne Arnold, who was nonplussed about the new show’s lukewarm reviews. — Kate Stanhope, latimes.com, "Rocky road: Roseanne Barr's rollercoaster Hollywood ride," 10 Apr. 2018 Selena Gomez continues to be nonplussed by Justin Bieber's engagement. — Kathryn Lindsay, refinery29.com, "Selena Gomez Had The Best Response To Being Grilled By Paps About Bieber," 10 July 2018 Though the film was put together after less than 40 days of shooting, Future was nonplussed by the relatively short timetable he was given to produce the soundtrack. — Sonaiya Kelley, latimes.com, "Why Director X chose Future to follow in Curtis Mayfield's footsteps curating the 'SuperFly' soundtrack," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonplus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

nonplus

Definition of nonplus

Synonyms for nonplus

Choose the Right Synonym for nonplus

Don't Let Nonplus Perplex You

Examples of nonplus in a Sentence

First Known Use of nonplus

History and Etymology for nonplus

nonplus

Definition of nonplus

Synonyms for nonplus

Choose the Right Synonym for nonplus

Don't Let Nonplus Perplex You

Examples of nonplus in a Sentence

First Known Use of nonplus

History and Etymology for nonplus

WORD OF THE DAY