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.

If the prospect of letting your teen loose in financial markets makes you nervous, your brokerage might also offer paper trading accounts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

In addition, the market is nervous about private credit problems in the software sector and their impact on big banks and other financial stocks.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

In “Trouble,” she buzzes with nervous energy, her dizzying delivery of Raphaelson’s smart dialogue creating the template for the screwball heroines soon to follow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Because so many dogs are afraid of fireworks or going on car rides, videos of those experiences could help nervous dogs to work through those fears, Lubeach says.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

But whether she was too nervous to do a thorough job or whether there was a more mysterious explanation, she straightened up empty-handed.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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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