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

The Moon enters adventurous Leo, stirring your interest in travel, education, or an idea that could expand your options.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
Until that point, Birmingham had looked dangerous, conquering the space vacated by City’s adventurous full-backs (in fact, Oceane Hurtre robbed a dithering Jade Rose on the edge of stoppage time for a consolation goal).

— Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of adventurous

Adjective

New England Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi had three brothers, all New York City firefighters, who — like so many of their brave counterparts — rushed to the World Trade Center in an attempt to save lives after the towers were struck.

— Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Combined with a brutal noon start time that provided no shade or relief throughout the game, the conditions meant there weren’t many fans brave enough, or quite frankly dumb enough, to endure a heat index of roughly 105 degrees.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of brave

Verb

The offensive line and defensive lines have been stabilized, and hopefully fortified, and a new starting secondary is being tested.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Japan in recent years has fortified its southwestern region with longer range missiles and interceptors.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of fortified

Adjective

Fine publicly praised his wife following her testimony, describing her as strong and courageous in a statement read outside the courthouse by attorney Douglas Wigdor.

— Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Why Jaissle and ‘vertical, attacking football’ If bringing in eight players under 24 was courageous, opting for a 38-year-old head coach who had never managed in Europe’s top-five leagues was extremely bold.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

After a few minutes, there was a dive off the arch, followed by a cannonball from the next person, a backflip from a third and then other more spectacular and daring stunts from the flock.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Any caveats about the weather didn’t appear to keep families away from the carnival, as parents and kids advanced from midway games and the carousel to more daring rides like the Ferris wheel and the Ring of Fire.

— Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of daring

Adjective

Free-branching, smaller-bloomed, ball-mounding, hardier garden mums are designed to grow naturally in the ground, usually flowering between late August and October.

— Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026
Most mums of this type are suited for zones 5-9, but some exceptionally cold-tolerant varieties, such as Mammoth, are hardy down to zone 3.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026