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.

They were sitting by a piano on stage — after Cole’s last set of the night at the Trocadero on Sunset Strip — when the nervous young songwriter decided to share his unfinished road song.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

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

Our translator said he would think about the offer but said that his wife was nervous.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

“So now, despite the fear I know you are all feeling, I must ask you all to rise to the occasion for the sake of the Academy,” Callaway went on, talking over the nervous murmuring.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

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!