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.

Choline is already known to be important for the brain and nervous system, and many people in the United States do not get the recommended daily amount.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

Performed in rotation with “New Born” is Tom Noonan’s “What Happened Was . . . ,” a 1992 two-hander, also directed by Mr. Rickson, about a nervous date night.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Our translator said he would think about the offer but said that his wife was nervous.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

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

Usually a hummingbird of a woman with fidgety hands and a nervous smile, she seemed dulled somehow.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

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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