NERVED Synonyms: 179 Similar and Opposite Words

nerved 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnərvd

Definition of nerved

as in adventurous

inclined or willing to take risks a nerved and fearless driver of race cars

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nerved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of nerve

as in braced

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nerved

Adjective

But what places this film on this list is Byrne’s raw-nerved, aching, anxiously taut performance. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025 The latest target is 402 km/h (250 mph), a mind-bending pace on two wheels that requires a special, steely nerved rider. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Mar. 2023 Jessica John gives one of the best performances of her career as the raw-nerved and boldly confrontational Barbara, whose despair leads to her confuse Johnny with Donny after a couple gallon-size jugs of wine. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2022 The result is a work of rare, raw-nerved insight into group therapy and individual trauma, as well as a moving vision of male friendship and strength in the face of evil. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2021 Most of the emotion in the series veers toward the overblown or maudlin, though Winona Ryder (God bless ’er), who plays Will’s jangly nerved mother, Joyce, has at last decided to fully apply her once formidable talent to the role. — Hank Stuever, Washington Post, 3 July 2019 Putin, a former KGB agent, has ruled Russia as prime minister or president for more than 18 years, and in that time has crafted an image as a steely nerved leader and the man best qualified to rebuild his country after the end of the Soviet Union. — Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 7 May 2018 Cynthia Gerber is just right as the fragile-nerved stage manager Poppy. — Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, 15 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerved

Adjective

Anita recalled her grandson’s adventurous upbringing and his relationship with God.

— Marisela Cruz, San Antonio Express-News, 17 Oct. 2026
This gift box contains eight bars, spanning from 58 to 80% cacao, in flavors like banana foster and green tea crunch for the adventurous and pink sea salt or pure cacao, dates, and vanilla for the purists.

— Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of adventurous

Adjective

One fascination of this brave book—brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism—lies in watching the eloquent, intelligent sufferer steadily entrapping herself.

— James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Prioritizing oneself is something Ariana Grande has been brave about as well, with Grande perhaps the poster child for the biggest mental health story of the year.

— Rob LeDonne, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of brave

Verb

Japan considers China's rapidly growing military activities in and around Japan, including in the Pacific Ocean, as a threat and has fortified its southwestern region with longer-range missiles and interceptors in recent years.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The group also fortified their compound and trained with guns in case the FBI or other law enforcement visited the property, according to the decision.

— Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of fortified

Adjective

As with any courageous statement, acceptance is rarely unanimous.

— Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Sadly, sports reformers across the country have abandoned the hard work of courageous whistleblowers, such as Bensel-Meyers, and now sing the tune of college athlete compensation.

— Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

The project has since taken the brand on daring and adventurous trips to the most remote locations around the world, all documented by Mollison.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
At the center of it all is the daring, epic raid on a bank vault deep beneath the streets of Zurich.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of daring

Adjective

The actor praised Chris Rock’s writing as fearless, describing her character as contradictory, self-destructive and prone to terrible decisions.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
Cinema needs women who are complicated, instinctive, ambitious, vulnerable, fearless and free – women who do not ask permission to take up space.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026