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 am 68 and like the idea of having everything in one place for simplicity, but I am a bit nervous about keeping it all at a single brokerage.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

They were sitting by a piano on stage — after Cole’s last set of the night at the Trocadero on Sunset Strip — when the nervous young songwriter decided to share his unfinished road song.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

I’m in the living room with his homie, playing NBA 2 K, nervous.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

We have our very first gig tonight and I’m a nervous wreck.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

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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