Entry Word: nervy

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 displaying or marked by rude boldness <the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, “Hope it doesn't break the bank!”>

Synonyms arch, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassy, brazen, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, sassy, saucy

Related Words assertive, forward, obtrusive; audacious, defiant, disrespectful; shameless, unabashed, unblushing; bluff, blunt, curt; facetious, flip, flippant, pert, smart, smart-alecky (or smart-aleck)

Near Antonyms demure, humble, modest; courteous, genteel, mannerly, polite, proper; deferential, respectful; abashed, ashamed, blushing, embarrassed; gentle, mild; inconspicuous, unobtrusive

Antonyms meek, mousy (or mousey), retiring, shy, timid

2 feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty <Iʼm a little nervy about my first job interview> — see nervous 1
3 inclined or willing to take risks <nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents> — see bold 1