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.

And many of us feel nervous about getting things wrong.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

A trend has emerged of people booking their holidays late, because they're nervous about the impact the Middle East conflict could have on the future availability of jet fuel.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Buddy Bradley was the African-American choreographer who envisioned these moves and instilled in Matthews, a nervous performer, the confidence she needed.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

"I was a bit nervous at first and didn't know what to expect but the Fury family were lovely", she told BBC Radio Lancashire.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

Katherine shook her head, nervous red spots standing out on her pale face.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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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