nonplused
Thrown for loop
Nonplused means bewildered or unsure how to respond—stopped in your tracks by confusion: She was nonplused by his sudden declaration.
The word comes from Latin for "no more," suggesting you've reached a point where you can't proceed.
A newer sense meaning unfazed or unperturbed has emerged, though traditionalists consider it an error.
Also spelled nonplussed.
Thoroughly confused, uncertain
- baffledUtterly unable to understand
- flummoxedUtterly perplexed
- dumbfoundedRendered speechless by surprise
- flabbergastedOverwhelmed with amazement
confounded · stupefied · astonished · stunned · disconcerted · taken aback · thrown · startled
Blocked from progressing
- thwartedPrevented from succeeding
- stuckUnable to move
- blockedPassage prevented or impeded
- foiledPrevented from succeeding
frustrated · at an impasse · baffled · vexed · checkmated · deadlocked · stalemated · defeated
Unable to understand
- mystifiedUtterly unable to understand
- befuddledMentally confused, disoriented
- puzzledConfused by something unclear
- at a lossPerplexed, without direction
disoriented · discombobulated · bemused · muddled · uncertain · unsure · questioning · quizzical
Not bothered or worried
- composedCalm and self-possessed
- calmFree from agitation
- unruffledEmotionally undisturbed, placid
- imperturbableIncapable of being upset
coolheaded · collected · unflappable · self-possessed · steady · unbothered · unmoved · unshaken
perplexed
Thoroughly confused, uncertain
- baffledUtterly unable to understand
- flummoxedUtterly perplexed
- dumbfoundedRendered speechless by surprise
flabbergasted · confounded · stupefied · astonished · stunned · disconcerted · taken aback · thrown · startled · gobsmacked
stymied
Blocked from progressing
foiled · frustrated · at an impasse · baffled · vexed · checkmated · deadlocked · stalemated · defeated · hindered
confused
Unable to understand
- mystifiedUtterly unable to understand
- befuddledMentally confused, disoriented
- puzzledConfused by something unclear
at a loss · disoriented · discombobulated · bemused · muddled · uncertain · unsure · questioning · quizzical · uncomprehending
unperturbed
Not bothered or worried
imperturbable · coolheaded · collected · unflappable · self-possessed · steady · unbothered · unmoved · unshaken · stoic
nonplusedcertain
Free from doubt
clear-headed · confident · unfazed · understanding · comprehending