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.

“I remember walking on set and there was a pervasive nervous energy. But we could feel when we got it.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Shaw said after the victory at Wembley that she had been "a bit nervous" about announcing her new deal.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

The gut microbiome can produce compounds that influence inflammation, metabolism, and nervous system activity.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

I’m looking to move across the country next year, and I’m nervous about how much money it’s going to cost.

From MarketWatch • May 30, 2026

And remembering Thor made Bat nervous all over again.

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

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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