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

The company wanted drug-containing particles to remain evenly distributed throughout the implants so healing nerves would receive a consistent supply of regenerative compounds. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026

If nerves pop up, breathe and make the stakes low enough to keep moving. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Jason’s nerves over going back to school (to be a social worker) in his 40s is played more for laughs and camaraderie than embarrassment or temptation. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

Nico offers cocaine to calm her nerves and crudely propositions her, at which point Cassie raises the alarm and blows Miles’ cover. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026

Wins against Haiti and Scotland settled the nerves, but those same fallibilities were on show in the last-32 tie with Japan before Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli’s goals turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win. — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Nosková has a shade more variety than Keys, with a nifty drop shot and a good sense of when to attack the net, but the 31-year-old American has far more experience on big courts at Grand Slams, which may count for something when nerves kick in. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026

After Rapetti's try, Hiddleston settled any nerves among the Scotland players, though Argentina scored two late tries. — ABC News, 4 July 2026

Popular natural herbs include chamomile to calm, lemon balm to soothe nerves and passionflower to reduce brain activity. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

Phrases Containing nerves

• get on one's nerves