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.

“When he got out, I had to tell him. I said, `You know what? I was nervous because all I saw was your eyes and your face in the mirror.’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Platts said while most people associate radiation with cancer risk, it also can impact the central nervous system and blood circulation.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

"People were quite scandalised, nervous, terrified about the possibility of what could potentially go wrong - bringing 50 lions to the Wiltshire countryside."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Because so many dogs are afraid of fireworks or going on car rides, videos of those experiences could help nervous dogs to work through those fears, Lubeach says.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

I took a deep breath and tried on a smile, which might have been a mistake because it made her look even more nervous.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

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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