Synonyms of nerves

nerves 1 of 2

noun

plural of nerve

as in shivers

a sense of panic or extreme nervousness

a veteran performer who still gets a case of the nerves before performances

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shivers
• butterflies
• jitters
• shakes
• willies
• anxiety
• heebie-jeebies
• creeps
• screaming meemies
• hysteria
• jimjams
• dither
• fear
• fidgets
• whim-whams
• frazzle
• cold sweat
• goose bumps
• uneasiness
• agitation
• nervous breakdown
• jumpiness
• edginess
• skittishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• composure
• equanimity
• tranquility
• aplomb
• imperturbability
• self-possession

nerves

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of nerve

as in braces

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally

needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

• braces
• fortifies
• forearms
• steels
• strengthens
• readies
• poises
• arms
• comforts
• psyches (up)
• bolsters
• reinforces
• hardens
• inures
• heartens
• toughens
• seasons
• sustains
• inspires
• buttresses
• stirs
• buoys (up)
• rouses
• emboldens
• encourages
• enforces
• rallies
• props (up)
• cheers (up)
• boosts
• supports

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shakes
• discourages
• unnerves
• disheartens
• daunts
• demoralizes
• weakens
• saps
• undermines
• softens
• dispirits
• enervates
• debilitates
• tires
• undercuts
• enfeebles
• psychs (out)
• prostrates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nerves

Noun

Now, the difference between my process and a lot of Simon’s process is meant to get rid of his nerves. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026

The Valkyries played the first half like a team shackled by nerves. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Art DeRamus' nerves are still rattled after his Delaware home of 43 years was peppered with bullets in the middle of the night. — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

After days of scrutinizing weather models that seemed determined to test the nerves of everyone aboard the HX Expeditions ship MS Spitsbergen, somehow, against the odds, the clouds had cleared. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026

For the last six years, Six has lived as a recluse in Amsterdam, lying in bed and going out twice a day for decaf coffee (the regular brew is too hard on his shattered nerves). — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Could your nerves handle a postseason series against either of those teams? — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2026

The brain coordinates muscles and nerves while also processing information about balance, vision and the environment around us. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

And the nerves from the very beginning led to this very disciplined approach to trying to fully take over the character and take ownership over his life. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing nerves

• get on one's nerves