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.

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

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Investors holding Intel, while happy, might be getting a little nervous holding a stock that’s gone parabolic.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Based on an actual meeting between the two, it’s a cagey game of cat-and-mouse, with the publisher taking the measure of a nervous, still-inexperienced journalist, looking for reassurance that his reporting will prove out.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

I was so nervous and excited about getting my pony, my oatmeal didn’t even taste the same that morning.

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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