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.

Walcott said he noticed a "nervous energy" on the touchline at St Mary's that has been seen before in recent years.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 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

The confession sucks the air out of the room, leaving just enough for some nervous laughter.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

With all the headlines about the war in Iran and rising gas prices, consumers may be nervous about what this means for their financial stability.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

He pulled the neck of his T-shirt, which he’d been sucking on in the way he sometimes did when he felt nervous, out of his mouth.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

nervous

Example Sentences

Related Words