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.

B12 is clearly essential for the nervous system, and deficiency should not be ignored.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Several families say their anonymity makes others feel nervous to talk to them about what happened, and has made the public and authorities assume the girls are more recovered than they are.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The minimum threshold used to define deficiency may not capture early functional changes in the nervous system.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Yet that still leaves an open question that should make those customers nervous: How much will they be paying for power?

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

He gulped a nervous knot in his throat, then lifted his feet, and the shadow followed.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

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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