Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for nerve-racking.
Definitions

nerve-racking

[nurv-rak-ing] / ˈnɜrvˌræk ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
distressing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annoying stressful trying
WEAK
aggravating disquieting disturbing exasperating irksome irritating maddening taxing tense upsetting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Former winner Shaun Murphy believed taking his driving test was "the most nerve-racking moment of my life".

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

For anyone facing potentially dire medical results or other nerve-racking ambiguities, the waiting is the hardest part.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

And I’ve done a lot of shows that are even more nerve-racking than a solo acoustic show, and that’s living room shows.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Distribution — where you start to draw money from those funds, like an expensive wine in your cellar — can be nerve-racking.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

The jump from one ship to the other was nerve-racking, but Nailer was determined not to show any fear.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi