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

Courtesy of Marshall Moving into a new product category is a nervy undertaking for any company, and the current climate of tariff roulette only adds another level of uncertainty. —Verity Burns, Wired News, 20 May 2025

The second half belongs mainly to Jordan Pickford, whose saves ensure there is no nervy finale. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 19 May 2025

Vibrant blue fruits are joined by black raspberries and cherries, and the interplay of plushness and nervy energy brings a fabulous sense of life to each sip. —Brian Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

In a gritty, nervy, ultimately joyous blowout performance, the Magic routed the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 in a Play-In game, officially punching their ticket to the playoffs. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 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