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.

Nervous residents in Dubai’s Palm and Marina developments hurried onto their balconies to get a glimpse of the action.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

Nervous shoppers are stocking up on canned fish, boxed mac and cheese and beans.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2025

Nervous and tentative at first — Marcus hasn’t traveled a lot, and this hot-shot British chef is kind of a big deal — he gradually loosens up.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2024

Nervous energy on opening nights doesn’t dissipate until the wee hours.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

“Me? Nervous? And what do I have to be nervous about?”

From "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen

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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