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.

"I'm very, very anxious. I'm nervous all the time," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

“I remember walking on set and there was a pervasive nervous energy. But we could feel when we got it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

This arrangement suggests a possible pathway through which magnetic information could be transmitted from the liver to the nervous system and ultimately to the brain.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

I’m looking to move across the country next year, and I’m nervous about how much money it’s going to cost.

From MarketWatch • May 30, 2026

She claimed she might be too nervous ever to get back in any wagon.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Vocabulary lists containing nervous

Emotions on Display

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"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

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