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 of nervy

• wise
• cheeky
• bold
• cocky
• impudent
• brazen
• brassy
• fresh
• saucy
• sassy
• defiant
• insolent
• cocksure
• blunt
• assertive
• audacious
• brash
• impertinent

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

There were a few nervy moments, which Darlow dealt with assuredly. —Beren Cross, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2026

Marty Supreme is Safdie’s first solo effort since splitting with Benny; their last work together was the fractious, nervy hit Uncut Gems. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 Dec. 2025

The game had opened up after halftime, never tight enough for even a nervy possession or two, with the lone Mizzou run countered by a Jamari McDowell 3-pointer. —Sam McDowell December 7, Kansas City Star, 8 Dec. 2025

Marty Supreme is nervy and New York–y and based on a famous table-tennis player. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nervy

• curvy
• scurvy

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