nonplusing
Leaving someone speechless
Nonplusing is confusing or bewildering someone to the point where they don't know how to respond.
The word comes from a Latin phrase meaning "no more"—as in, no more can be said or done.
Someone who is nonplused is at a loss, rendered speechless or uncertain: His bizarre accusation left her completely nonplused.
Also spelled nonplussing.
Causing great wonder
- startlingCausing sudden surprise
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
- shockingCausing intense surprise
stunning · staggering · flabbergasting · dumbfounding · stupefying · jaw-dropping · eye-opening · blindsiding
Causing embarrassment or unease
- disconcertingCausing unease or confusion
- unnervingCausing loss of composure
- disquietingCausing unease or worry
- disturbingCausing mental unease
jarring · flustering · rattling · unsettled · off-balance · uneasy · troubled · awkward
Causing confusion or bewilderment
- bafflingImpossible to understand
- perplexingCausing mental confusion
- mystifyingCausing complete confusion
- confoundingCausing surprise or confusion
stumped · stymied · at a loss · stuck · impasse · conundrum · riddle · enigma
Thoroughly confused, uncertain
- baffledUtterly unable to understand
- mystifiedUtterly unable to understand
- puzzledConfused by something unclear
- confoundedThoroughly puzzled or frustrated
befuddled · flummoxed · dumbfounded · stupefied · disoriented · discombobulated · bemused · muddled
astonishing
Causing great wonder
- startlingCausing sudden surprise
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- unforeseenNot predicted or expected
shocking · stunning · staggering · flabbergasting · dumbfounding · stupefying · jaw-dropping · eye-opening · blindsiding · jolting
discomfiting
Causing embarrassment or unease
- disconcertingCausing unease or confusion
- unnervingCausing loss of composure
- disquietingCausing unease or worry
disturbing · jarring · flustering · rattling · unsettled · off-balance · uneasy · troubled · awkward · uncomfortable
puzzling
Causing confusion or bewilderment
- bafflingImpossible to understand
- perplexingCausing mental confusion
- mystifyingCausing complete confusion
confounding · stumped · stymied · at a loss · stuck · impasse · conundrum · riddle · enigma · brain-teaser
perplexed
Thoroughly confused, uncertain
- baffledUtterly unable to understand
- mystifiedUtterly unable to understand
- puzzledConfused by something unclear
confounded · befuddled · flummoxed · dumbfounded · stupefied · disoriented · discombobulated · bemused · muddled · addled
nonplusingclarifying
Making something understandable
enlightening · explaining · elucidating · illuminating · simplifying
nonplusingreassuring
Restoring calm or confidence
calming · comforting · soothing · settling · orienting
nonplussed, nonplus, nonplused, nonpluses, nonplusses, nonplussing