1
as in gall
shameless boldness
you've got a lot of nerve showing up here
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in courage
strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger
that daring rescue took some nerve
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nerve
Ashley Vega, People.com, 10 June 2025
The company’s data and insights group, UTA IQ, compiled stats suggesting that many younger consumers are leaning toward material that soothes the nerves and acts as a warm blanket, rather than ratcheting up the anxiety.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Biles’ comments struck a nerve with Gaines, anti-transgender activists, and the conservative media.
—Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
As if each limb weren’t already buzzing with neural activity, things get even more intricate when researchers zoom in further—to the nerves within each individual sucker, a ring of muscular tissue, which octopuses use to sense and taste their surroundings.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, ArsTechnica, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nerve
Noun
That remark hits a nerve and makes the situation more uncomfortable.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 10 June 2025
The company’s data and insights group, UTA IQ, compiled stats suggesting that many younger consumers are leaning toward material that soothes the nerves and acts as a warm blanket, rather than ratcheting up the anxiety.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
Biles’ comments struck a nerve with Gaines, anti-transgender activists, and the conservative media.
—Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
As if each limb weren’t already buzzing with neural activity, things get even more intricate when researchers zoom in further—to the nerves within each individual sucker, a ring of muscular tissue, which octopuses use to sense and taste their surroundings.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, ArsTechnica, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve
Noun
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The members of my party have the gall to request several of these demonic items from the livid waiter.—
Caity Weaver,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2025
-
Lia Thomas stole a medal through deceit, and this rag has the gall to call him a 'champion'?—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
If any courage is left at the Bar’s elegant headquarters in Tallahassee, the Bondi exemption should be rescinded.—
The Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
-
Police in Largo shared a video of the encounter, as Officer Christopher Martinez, from Long Island, tried to work up the courage to hold the alligator.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
Verb
-
Some of the nation’s leading tourist destinations, including Orlando, Miami and Los Angeles, are bracing for how the decline will impact businesses that rely on spending from international travelers.—
Jason Carroll,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
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But — for the second year running — Forest have been braced for the prospect of finding themselves in a battle to keep Gibbs-White, with an offer too good to turn down in front of them.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The film sardonically conjures a golden age of interventionist arrogance.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
29 May 2025
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Here are the more common ways insecurities can manifest themselves: • Confidence will turn into arrogance.—
Bill English,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Internet users can't get enough of Kenneth's bravery and determination, despite his small stature.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
-
But the tender, artful balladry and sorcerous studio experimentation that cemented his legacy are totally sui generis for the genre, comprising an act of emotional and creative bravery so rare and beautiful in American culture that it has never been successfully imitated.—
Derek Robertson,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Coupang has been moving quickly to fortify Farfetch after purchasing the company out of administration at the end of 2023.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
19 June 2025
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The island itself is cut off from the mainland via a path that only appears at low tide, and its citizens keep a constant vigil at the ramshackle but heavily fortified entrance.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
18 June 2025
Noun
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The film starred Harbour as a drunken, disillusioned Santa Claus ready to hang up his hat when his sense of heroism is stirred by a young girl whose family is taken hostage.—
Michileen Martin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
-
Fitz Lee, commended for heroism in the Spanish-American War.—
Eleanor Watson,
CBS News,
10 June 2025
Verb
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Luckily for Diggins, his resolve was steeled from his experiences with discipline in Japan.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2025
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Amid growing geopolitical tensions and unpredictable politics, the global economy is steeling itself for constant, sudden change.—
Alexander Clausbruch,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerve. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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