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.

Choline is already known to be important for the brain and nervous system, and many people in the United States do not get the recommended daily amount.

From Science Daily • May 16, 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

The home crowd will be nervous until they score but I can see Mikel Arteta's side making an early breakthrough.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

As an H-1B visa holder, he felt nervous leaving the U.S., fearing he would not be able to get back in.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

"Don't be foolish," his mom's voice said, but it sounded very nervous.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry

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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