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

Choline is already known to be important for the brain and nervous system, and many people in the United States do not get the recommended daily amount.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

“First day of rehearsal, I was super nervous because it was in front of the guys. But we started and it was like I got back on a bicycle.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

"It's nothing, really, just making sure that you don't get too nervous and things like that."

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Her answer made him a little nervous about just how smart she was getting to be.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Vocabulary lists containing nervous

Emotions on Display

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Yikes! Synonyms for "Scared"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!