In this synonym question, choose the word that best expresses the meaning of the adjective "NONPLUSSED".

Introduction / Context:
Synonym questions require you to match a given word with another word of similar meaning. "Nonplussed" is an adjective that appears in formal writing and exams. It describes a state of confusion or bewilderment, where a person does not know how to react. To answer correctly, you must recognise this meaning and choose the option that captures the same idea.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is "NONPLUSSED".
• Options are INJURIOUS, ABUSIVE, PUZZLED, ENORMOUS.
• We are asked to choose the word that best expresses the meaning of "NONPLUSSED".
• We assume standard British and Indian English meanings.

Concept / Approach:
"Nonplussed" means so surprised, confused or puzzled that one is not sure how to react or what to say. It does not refer to physical harm, verbal insult or size. Among the options, "puzzled" clearly describes a similar mental state of confusion or lack of understanding. The other words belong to completely different semantic fields: "injurious" to harm, "abusive" to insults and "enormous" to size.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of "nonplussed": bewildered, perplexed or at a loss.Step 2: Identify the option that shares this sense of confusion, which is "puzzled."Step 3: Examine "injurious," which means causing harm or injury, usually physical or moral, and see that it does not relate to confusion.Step 4: Examine "abusive," which means using cruel or insulting language, not being confused.Step 5: Examine "enormous," which describes something very large in size, again unrelated to mental state.Step 6: Confirm that "puzzled" is the only word matching the idea of being nonplussed.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Insert "puzzled" into a typical sentence containing "nonplussed." For example, "He was nonplussed by the unexpected question" becomes "He was puzzled by the unexpected question," which keeps the meaning intact. If you use "injurious," "abusive" or "enormous" in that sentence, it becomes absurd. This substitution test confirms that "puzzled" is the correct synonym in exam context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Injurious" focuses on causing damage or harm and usually modifies things like comments, substances or actions. "Abusive" describes behaviour or language that is insulting, not confused. "Enormous" strictly refers to great size or extent. None of these words refers to a mental state of not knowing what to do or say. They are semantic distractors designed to test whether you truly know the word "nonplussed" rather than guessing based on familiarity or length.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners wrongly believe "nonplussed" means "unbothered" or "unimpressed," which can lead them to eliminate "puzzled." This misunderstanding comes from occasional informal misuses. In formal exam English, however, "nonplussed" means confused or bewildered. To avoid confusion, link "nonplussed" in your memory with situations where someone is so surprised that they are momentarily speechless, which is very close to "puzzled."

Final Answer:
The word that best expresses the meaning of "NONPLUSSED" is PUZZLED.