NERVED Synonyms: 179 Similar and Opposite Words

nerved 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnərvd

Definition of nerved next

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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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

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Sheep in the Box Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda returns with his most conceptually adventurous film since Air Doll (2009).

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Available in two different colorways, conservative design connoisseurs will likely find comfort in the classic blue and natural beige color combo, while the punchy purple and green option might entice those with more adventurous color appetites.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2026