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

If open water ice-skating is too adventurous, there’s also a public rink in central Stockholm at Kungsträdgården.

— Isabelle Kliger, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
There are trendy accessories that aren’t too timely, classic leather goods with subtle logos, and quite a few statement pieces for the more adventurous dressers among us.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of adventurous

Verb

French authorities were braced for a nationwide general strike over public services and cost-of-living concerns, demonstrations that showcase growing pressure on Europe’s social-welfare model.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Ever since protests turned violent almost three weeks ago, authorities and shopkeepers have braced for similar scenes at every one of these nationwide demonstrations.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of braced

Adjective

The franchise originally consisted of four movies—The Hunger Games (2012), Catching Fire (2013), Mockingjay Part 1 (2014), and Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)—that star Jennifer Lawrence as the resourceful and brave Katniss Everdeen.

— Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Nov. 2026
Although the Duchess of Sussex has been putting on a brave face in public since her father’s criminal behavior was reported, she is allegedly deeply shaken.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of brave

Verb

Speaking of actives, the formula is also fortified with a triple peptide blend to tighten and firm, kakadu plum and caffeine extract to brighten, and marine extracts to target crepiness.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
The Thunder also have a 21-pick stockpile of second-rounders that was fortified via the Dort, Wiggins and Joe trades.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of fortified

Adjective

On Thursday, Newsom took what can only be described as a courageous stand, a risky stand — commuting the death sentences of the 548 men and women condemned to die in California, and instead seeking to change their sentences to life without parole.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Research by Harvard Business School Professor Ranjay Gulati found that courageous and effective leaders create positive narratives that guide them through chaos, often recasting their work as a mission.

— Olivia Ludington, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

Our responsibility isn’t to make people fearless, but to create enough understanding, agency and trust that fear doesn’t prevent them from moving forward.

— Irene Thong, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
When Mevis struggled this season, the Rams replaced him with the slight but fearless Blake Grupe, who made a field goal against Arizona then, on the ensuing kickoff, suffered a season-ending knee injury trying to make a tackle.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of fearless

Adjective

Tough, hardy junipers come in many useful sizes and shapes, from trailing junipers that can work as ground covers to tall, slender trees.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
More delicate in appearance than chrysanthemums but generally hardier, asters are native to North America.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2026