nerve 1 of 2

Definition of nervenext
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nerve

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nerve different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of nerve are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery.

the nerve of that guy
has the cheek to call herself a singer
had the gall to demand proof
the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

Where would audacity be a reasonable alternative to nerve?

The words audacity and nerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When is it sensible to use effrontery instead of nerve?

Although the words effrontery and nerve have much in common, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When could hardihood be used to replace nerve?

In some situations, the words hardihood and nerve are roughly equivalent. However, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When is temerity a more appropriate choice than nerve?

The synonyms temerity and nerve are sometimes interchangeable, but temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nerve
Noun
Then a nerve condition stole the strength from his pitching hand. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 21 June 2026 The eye specialist said Gillette had nerve damage in his right eye, which was causing the double vision. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 June 2026 This morning, the intuitive Moon enters Virgo, encouraging simple fixes, tidier spaces, and kinder habits that calm our nerves. Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026 The guys were feeling the nerves for their friend, but also a sense of calm, thanks in part to Carolina goalie Brandon Bussi making save after save. Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve
Noun
  • For in the last years of her life she will be troubled by terrible digestion and chronic bowel problems set off by a bout of grave illness, diagnosed as typhoid fever and gall-bladder disease, in the autumn of 1860.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
  • This microscopic roundworm lays its eggs in root tissues, causing swellings or galls to develop on infected roots.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Unable to outrun the Bitchfist, the Hand earns his reputation for cunning and courage.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • March 21 – April 19 Aries, your courage meets a softer mirror.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Despite the growth of bars, ready-to-drink shakes and high-protein foods, protein powder remains the dominant format in this category.
    Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Thankfully, there are plenty of egg-free high-protein breakfast ideas, such as Greek yogurt bowls, protein shakes and smoothies, tofu scramble, or dishes containing skyr or cottage cheese.
    Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • In the three years between Special and Bitch, Lizzo began bracing herself for a sharp decline in public interest by creating music that existed on the outskirts of what audiences came to know her for.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026
  • Now, as traders fear the bitcoin house of cards could be collapsing, the market is braced for the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation to cement an interest rate hike later this year.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
  • In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
    Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Just watching as a fan from a distance, I was impressed by her bravery.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026
  • There has been an outpouring of support on social media for those who stopped to help, heralding their bravery and selflessness.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • The warning that exuberant investors might not be quite rational sent temporary shivers through global stock markets.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • MonthiraYodtiwong/Getty Images Few sources of income are as legally fortified as a federal disability check.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • The Greens made a key alliance with the Triarchy to fortify its naval forces.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerve. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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