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.

Iran mocked his ultimatum, dismissing it as "helpless, nervous and stupid".

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Betts blossomed from a nervous teenager into a two-time All-American.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

“If this kind of pull back really made you nervous, you’re probably carrying too much risk,” Sosnick said.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

These are nervous times unless, as suggested here, you invest in inflation-protected Treasury bonds, or TIPS, which give you some cushion against the risks of inflation.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

The way he bit his lip, the nervous but hopeful expression, the searching green eyes: he was so achingly familiar.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

nervous

Example Sentences

Related Words