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.

And many of us feel nervous about getting things wrong.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Several families say their anonymity makes others feel nervous to talk to them about what happened, and has made the public and authorities assume the girls are more recovered than they are.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

She said an officer told her she was just feeling nervous and that it was fine for the trial to go ahead.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

“First day of rehearsal, I was super nervous because it was in front of the guys. But we started and it was like I got back on a bicycle.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Watching Rowdy bouncing up and down on the porch, Grandpa said, “He seems to know where the meat rinds are, all right. Maybe we’d better get him one before he has a nervous breakdown.”

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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