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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
You guys have a lot of f---ing nerve talking all that s--- to get smoked. Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025 This story clearly struck a nerve. Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 But that fore knowledge didn’t make the situation any easier on my nerves. Robert Merchant, Outdoor Life, 1 Oct. 2025 Traveling has gotten even more difficult in recent weeks after Doreen pinched a nerve in her spine and is now unable to lift Dan’s scooter. Alana Semuels, Time, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve
Noun
  • The gall to say that I'm washed?
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Two interesting examples of insects that need goldenrods are the goldenrod gall fly and the goldenrod gall moth.
    Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For her kindness and friendship, for her humour and irrepressible enthusiasm, for her curiosity, for her courage, and for her profound love of animals.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Shout out to Ayesha for giving voice to other married women who are grieving old identities and seeking the courage to craft new ones.
    Essence, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The dessert menu is also extensive, including cakes and shakes.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Over the past decade, In-N-Out has phased out some artificial dyes, flavors and ingredients within its beverages, shakes and condiments.
    George A. Paul, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Wooden vessels for polar exploration typically reinforced the hulls internally with diagonal support beams, which braced the sides of the ship against lateral compression from powerful sea ice, said Tuhkuri, who researches the mechanics of ice.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
  • On October 4, the 33-year-old pop star shared a clip that has fans bracing for more Taylor Swift discourse.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The series follows the fictional Holliday, a former star whose arrogance burned every bridge.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Blenkin told Variety in September 2025 that his character's laughter comes from arrogance.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Moomins, created by Finnish artist and writer Tove Jansson during WWII, are gentle, rotund trolls who live in Moominvalley, a magical place where adventures are always waiting around the corner and the values of friendship, bravery and respect are ever-present.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Police said due to the bravery of worshippers and staff at the synagogue, as well as the police response time, the suspect wasn’t able to get inside the building.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Grab this sweatsuit and kiss mid-flight shivers goodbye.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Hearing McCartney play Beatles classics, in particular, sends shivers down one’s spine.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The wide receiver spot has been fortified more with four-stars and transfers, the result being depth.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Many high-calcium foods offer more calcium than milk per serving, including sardines, tofu, sesame seeds, soy milk, collard greens, certain cheeses, and fortified juices and cereals.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerve. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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