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.

"In three weeks' time, if I play and walk out to bat against New Zealand, I'm going to be nervous," he said.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

I am 68 and like the idea of having everything in one place for simplicity, but I am a bit nervous about keeping it all at a single brokerage.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Sabrina Hoque, from the price comparison website Uswitch, said that Ovo customers might be nervous.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Ferrara: I remember being so nervous in that car.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Breaking the rules made Danny nervous, but he told himself they weren’t there to hurt the ruins.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

Vocabulary lists containing nervous

Emotions on Display

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Yikes! Synonyms for "Scared"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!