Synonyms of nerve

nerve 1 of 2

noun

ˈnərv 

1

as in gall

shameless boldness

you've got a lot of nerve showing up here

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gall
• arrogance
• confidence
• audacity
• face
• temerity
• chutzpah
• effrontery
• assurance
• brass
• crust
• cheek
• brashness
• presumption
• brazenness
• pertness
• presumptuousness
• cheekiness
• sauciness
• sauce
• audaciousness
• nerviness
• brassiness
• disrespect
• self-confidence
• hardihood
• impudence
• self-assurance
• cockiness
• rudeness
• overconfidence
• insolence
• inconsiderateness
• impertinence
• incivility
• impoliteness
• inconsideration
• back talk
• sanguinity
• sass
• swagger
• ungraciousness
• discourteousness
• swash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• timidity
• modesty
• shyness
• diffidence
• hesitancy
• bashfulness
• manners
• timorousness
• civility
• gentility
• courtesy
• timidness
• faintheartedness
• graciousness
• courteousness
• mannerliness

2

as in courage

strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger

that daring rescue took some nerve

Synonyms & Similar Words

• courage
• bravery
• heroism
• gallantry
• courageousness
• prowess
• heart
• daring
• valor
• guts
• fearlessness
• hardihood
• virtue
• stoutness
• pecker
• intrepidity
• fortitude
• gutsiness
• gumption
• bottle
• daringness
• intrepidness
• stamina
• fiber
• dauntlessness
• determination
• moxie
• intestinal fortitude
• backbone
• grit
• doughtiness
• mettle
• pluck
• spunk
• greatheartedness
• temper
• endurance
• stomach
• perseverance
• tenacity
• audacity
• gall
• resolution
• temerity
• effrontery
• pluckiness
• boldness
• cojones
• cheek
• brazenness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cowardice
• timidity
• spinelessness
• weakness
• cowardliness
• fearfulness
• softness
• cold feet
• feebleness
• timorousness
• impotence
• faintheartedness
• cravenness
• poltroonery
• dastardliness
• hesitation
• indecision
• mousiness
• ineffectualness
• indecisiveness
• irresolution

3

as in shakes

nerves plural a sense of panic or extreme nervousness

a veteran performer who still gets a case of the nerves before performances

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shakes
• shivers
• willies
• butterflies
• fear
• creeps
• hysteria
• jitters
• anxiety
• heebie-jeebies
• dither
• screaming meemies
• fidgets
• cold sweat
• whim-whams
• goose bumps
• frazzle
• jimjams
• uneasiness
• agitation
• nervous breakdown
• edginess
• jumpiness
• skittishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• composure
• calm
• equanimity
• tranquility
• aplomb
• imperturbability
• self-possession

nerve

2 of 2

verb

as in to brace

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally

needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

• brace
• fortify
• steel
• ready
• strengthen
• forearm
• poise
• arm
• psych (up)
• reinforce
• enforce
• comfort
• sustain
• bolster
• harden
• inspire
• encourage
• buttress
• stir
• season
• support
• rouse
• inure
• rally
• boost
• buoy (up)
• toughen
• prop (up)
• hearten
• embolden
• cheer (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shake
• discourage
• demoralize
• unnerve
• daunt
• dishearten
• undermine
• soften
• weaken
• sap
• undercut
• psych (out)
• tire
• dispirit
• debilitate
• prostrate
• enfeeble
• enervate

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

Recent Examples of nerve

Noun

Joyce, who is rehabbing from shoulder surgery, and Stephenson, who had a nerve issue over the winter, are both behind the Angels’ other pitchers. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026

There were nerves, which were to be expected after 10 years of playing only with the Chicago White Sox. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026

Software stocks bore the initial brunt of AI disruption nerves. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026

But the Milan Cortina Games have a way of jangling nerves and chewing up champions. —Rick Maese, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing nerve

• nerve center