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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
After only eight minutes, Mason Mount’s neat finish settles any nerves. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Without nerve sensation, the patients weren’t aware of festering ulcers and infections, which therefore went untreated until amputation was the only option. Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 Postural Changes and Musculoskeletal Disorders Wearing tight pants or belts regularly can put pressure on the skeletal system and nerves, potentially leading to misalignment of the pelvis and muscle imbalance over time. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025 This lack of training, the lack of confidence to ask the right questions and the unwillingness to see past a diagnosis, turned an already nerve-wracking situation into a horrifying ordeal for my family. Maura Sullivan, Boston Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve
Noun
  • The ability of the Broncos’ core four pass-rushers up front to win one-on-ones — Cooper, NFL sack leader Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, Franklin-Myers — and the secondary’s ability to win in man coverage on the back-end has given coordinator Vance Joseph the ingredients and the gall of a mad scientist.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The gall to say that I'm washed?
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • No one trains you for moral courage or unwavering positivity — that’s a different kind of journey.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Rewrite old stories with courage.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the video, the animals can be seen ransacking the establishment to satisfy their cravings, snacking on protein shakes, coffee and supplements.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The investigation included both ready-to-drink shakes and powders intended for blending into smoothies.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Guatemala City — In the bracing morning air, workers leave their homes in the outer suburbs and hurry toward the industrial buildings lining the Guatemalan capital’s highways.
    Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But next year, the Galls, who live in Meridian, Idaho, are bracing for their costs to grow significantly.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Professional arrogance, that is, that pushed Atkinson to exceed everybody’s expectations … except his own.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • True to his overconfidence-bordering-on-arrogance nature, new intern Wes earlier in the episode did not follow instructions and attended to patients without permission.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The president also celebrated the release of all the hostages and acknowledged their courage and bravery during their captivity.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Trautmann’s personal status was enhanced by his bravery in the 1956 FA Cup final against Birmingham City.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Dividend cuts ‘would send shivers through Wall Street’ Clark Williams-Derry, energy finance analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), a non-profit organization, said trimming the share buybacks is likely Big Oil’s easiest option.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Grab this sweatsuit and kiss mid-flight shivers goodbye.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And if hair growth is a concern, droves of shoppers recommend this Pura D’or shampoo and conditioner duo that’s fortified with biotin to encourage fuller, healthier-looking hair.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • But though the iconic museum was initially constructed as a building meant to safeguard and fortify the area, thieves have managed to get through its defenses on a number of occasions and carry off priceless works of art.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerve. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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