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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

Conrad: For me, just the idea of bringing cameras back into my life was very nerve-racking, but we were all executive producers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

“To find out that we’re one of the first ones to get this pilot program was a little nerve-racking at first,” said Jessica Clayton, whose two children attend Deltona High School.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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

And let me tell you, this room was a little nerve-racking too.

From "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel