nervous

[nur-vuhs] / ˈnɜr vəs /

ADJECTIVE

anxious, fearful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid agitated annoyed apprehensive concerned edgy fussy hesitant hysterical irritable jittery jumpy shaky shy skittish spooked tense timid uneasy uptight volatile weak

WEAK

basket case bothered distressed disturbed excitable fidgety fitful flustered high-strung nervy neurotic on edge overwrought querulous restive ruffled sensitive shrinking snappish solicitous taut timorous troubled twitchy unrestful unstrung upset wired worried

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold brave calm certain collected composed confident cool easygoing extroverted fearless firm happy laid-back sufficient sure unafraid uncaring unwavering unworried

WEAK

unnervous

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.

That is why Pack, who owns four stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is a little nervous right now.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Elliot: I was pretty nervous to be honest, as I think everyone would be.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

It’s the day of the Netherfield Ball and Ella Bruccoleri is nervous.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

She grips her stuffed animals when she’s nervous, which is often.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

The paint wasn’t the least bit nervous or scared.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Vocabulary lists containing nervous

Emotions on Display

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"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

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Yikes! Synonyms for "Scared"

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