nonplussed
Pronunciation: adjective. Synonyms: bewildered, bemused, discomposed
adjective
Definition of nonplussed
unsure about what to say or do; confused
Synonyms for nonplussed
- bewildered
- bemused
- discomposed
nonplussed in a Sentence
- He was nonplussed by the sudden change of plans.
Why nonplussed Matters for GRE & SAT
"nonplussed" is a adjective that means "unsure about what to say or do; confused " closely related to words like "bewildered", "bemused", "discomposed". As a word starting with N, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "nonplussed" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "nonplussed" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "nonplussed" into long-term memory.
How to Remember nonplussed
One effective way to remember "nonplussed" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "bewildered" and "bemused" and "discomposed". When you encounter "nonplussed" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "unsure about what to say or do; confused ".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "nonplussed" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with N
- nadir — the absolute lowest point or worst moment
- naive — showing a lack of experience or judgment
- narrate — To give an account of events or experiences
- nascent — in the process of emerging, being born, or starting to develop
- negate — To nullify; make ineffective
- negate — To make ineffective; to nullify
- neglect — To fail to care for or give proper attention to something
- negligent — lacking care or attention
- negligent — Failing to take proper care in doing something
- negligible — So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering