Definitions

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.

It also opens the door to broader studies of the core rules that govern nervous systems.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

The strategist is not usually a nervous nellie.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

An uneven job market and economic uncertainty are making buyers nervous about going through with a big purchase.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

“I’ll say that at the beginning of the day I felt way more nervous than at the end,” Lopez said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

The one time I did see him— when we all went to see the trains at the arboretum right before Christmas—I was so nervous I barely said a word.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

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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