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

Not Bone, But Nerve That something is the ulnar nerve, one of the three major nerves running down the arm. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Chili introduces capsaicin, which activates nerves responsible for sensing heat rather than taste. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

The stage was set this past summer, and Lincoln Riley was a ball of nerves. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

For the most part, the cast kept themselves composed, but occasionally, the explicit content described in the script elicited some nerves. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 29 July 2026

Your mood is influenced by the balance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages between nerves) in your body. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026

After some hypothetical hookup talk and Tom Schwartz later expressing his own nerves, Booko and Kent get into an argument. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

The situation has left nerves raw at the Capitol, with the typically staid Thune showing signs of frustration. — Philip Elliott, Time, 29 July 2026

Doing the same motion constantly can wear down muscles, nerves or tendons, causing a repetitive strain injury, per Cleveland Clinic. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Phrases Containing nerves

• get on one's nerves