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.

But voters remain nervous, and the ballot is still packed — along with the top three, former Rep. Katie Porter and San José Mayor Matt Mahan are still campaigning, though with falling support.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

NFU Mutual's regional manager Lauren Finlay said local farmers were "nervous", with rural crime "more organised and determined in its nature".

From BBC • May 30, 2026

As the day went on, we saw wild boar, red deer and a single nervous fox.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have created tiny lab-grown brain and spinal cord systems that mimic how movement signals travel through the human nervous system.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

When Buddy heard that, he got a mite nervous.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

Vocabulary lists containing nervous

Emotions on Display

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"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

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