Definitions

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.

The connectome may also reveal basic principles that apply to nervous systems across species, including humans.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

The strategist is not usually a nervous nellie.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Once they’re in our grip, we hum on pleasant nervous energy all weekend, watching the sky turn lilac at dusk, eating Taiwanese takeout from around the corner, wondering when things will return to normal.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

McCullum said that he had mentioned he was more nervous than on his debut.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 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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