Definitions

unnerve

[uhn-nurv] / ʌnˈnɜrv /

VERB

upset, intimidate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitate bewilder chill confound daunt demoralize disconcert discourage dishearten dismay dispirit distract fluster frighten perturb rattle sap shake undermine unsettle weaken

STRONG

buffalo disarm discombobulate enervate enfeeble floor needle ride spook throw unhinge

WEAK

bowl over get to give a turn psych out throw off uncalm

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm clarify clear up comfort encourage explain hearten help incite inspirit placate settle soothe strengthen

WEAK

nerve steel

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.

Treacy at Apex sees any change in the Fed’s language around the risk of inflation due to geopolitical conflict as likely to unnerve investors.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

“A conflict like this has the clear potential to unnerve international businesses operating in the Gulf,” said Michael Ratney, who served as U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia under the Biden administration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

If Musk moves ahead with the idea much of that $35 billion could come from his Tesla stake, which would unnerve investors for a while.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

The Dodgers seemed to finally unnerve the Jays in the sixth when singles by Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernández with one out shoved starter Shane Bieber to the dugout.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

The noise was enough to unnerve the bravest mouse.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary

Vocabulary lists containing unnerve

This Week in Words: January 5 - 11, 2019

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"Sorry, Wrong Number" by Lucille Fletcher

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Grown

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