The meaning of NONPLUSSED is unsure about what to say, think, or do : perplexed. How to use nonplussed in a sentence.

NONPLUSSED definition: completely puzzled or perplexed by something unexpected. See examples of nonplussed used in a sentence.

If a conversation with someone leaves you scratching your head and wondering what point they were trying to make, you are nonplussed: bewildered, puzzled, often speechless.

He offers her three wishes and is nonplussed when she refuses them: she's read all the stories of wishes gone bad.

Jan 14, 2026 · Adjective nonplussed (comparative more nonplussed, superlative most nonplussed) Unsure how to act or respond; bewildered, perplexed. [from early 17th c.] Synonyms: confounded, …

Usage Note: The verb nonplus, from the Latin phrase nōn plūs, "not more," is well established with the meaning "to surprise and bewilder." The verb and its participial adjective nonplussed often imply …

Definition of nonplussed adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. surprised and confused so that you do not know what to do or say. Branson seemed a little nonplussed at Ellie’s …

If you are nonplussed, you feel confused and unsure how to react. He is completely nonplussed by the question.

'Nonplussed' by definition means that one is perplexed, but a modern usage has sprung up to mean nonchalance. We try to explain how this came about and how to deal with it.

The word comes from the old but now little-used noun nonplus, which refers to a state in which nothing more can be said or done, so to be nonplussed is essentially to be at a standstill or an impasse.