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.

Researchers say TRPV4 may therefore function as part of the nervous system's internal "stop scratching" mechanism.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

A hale and hearty speed signifies that your body’s systems—including your heart, lungs, muscles and nervous system—are working well together.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

Mortgage lender, Gary Tumelty, said people were "starting to get nervous" and rushing to secure mortgage deals now, due to the prospect of the Bank of England base rate being increased later in the year.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Rising debt levels make investors nervous about how that debt can be repaid and cause yields to climb.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

I didn’t want my pony to be nervous and jumpy.

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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