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 am 68 and like the idea of having everything in one place for simplicity, but I am a bit nervous about keeping it all at a single brokerage.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Ferrara: I remember being so nervous in that car.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

Sabrina Hoque, from the price comparison website Uswitch, said that Ovo customers might be nervous.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

They help the nervous system detect sensations including temperature, pressure, and tissue stress.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

I took a deep breath and tried on a smile, which might have been a mistake because it made her look even more nervous.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Vocabulary lists containing nervous

Emotions on Display

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"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

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