nervy

adjective

ˈnər-vē 

nervier; nerviest

1

archaic : sinewy, strong

2

a

: showing or expressive of calm courage : bold

b

: marked by effrontery or presumption : brash

3

: excitable, nervous

nervily

ˈnər-və-lē 

adverb

nerviness

ˈnər-vē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• arch
• audacious
• bold
• bold-faced
• brash
• brassbound
• brassy
• brazen
• brazen-faced
• cheeky
• cocksure
• cocky
• fresh
• impertinent
• impudent
• insolent
• sassy
• saucy
• wise

Examples of nervy in a Sentence

a nervy performance in the play-offs

a nervy film director who's not afraid to take risks

The passengers were restless and nervy after the long flight.

Too much coffee makes me nervy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perkins builds out the atmosphere and aesthetics perfectly, pushing the viewer into Lee’s nervy mindset and making her work feel oppressive. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 11 July 2024

Remember, the Americans lost their first game at the Tokyo Games in 2020, spent several days staving off elimination and barely claimed the gold medal with a nervy 87-82 victory over France. —Troy Renck, Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2024

The resulting mystery is sporadically entertaining but a little drawn out, though Plemons plays Daniel’s nervy paranoia with frightening adeptness. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 June 2024

If The Amazing Race is commendable for the production challenges inherent in a race around the world, wouldn’t the nervy innovations of a show like Alone be worth a nomination some time? —Joe Reid, Vulture, 31 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nervy

adjective

ˈnər-vē 

nervier; nerviest

1

a

: showing calm courage : fearless

b

: rudely bold

a nervy salesperson

2

: excitable sense 1, nervous

nerviness noun