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

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Warming the roof of the mouth—for example, by pressing the tongue against the palate or drinking a room-temperature beverage—can hasten recovery from brain freeze by allowing blood vessels and sensory nerves to return to their usual state. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Despite two Tony nominations for her previous turns on the Great White Way, Janney is feeling the nerves. — Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

Found across the Indian subcontinent, the common krait possesses powerful neurotoxic venom that interferes with communication between nerves and muscles. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026

Nitrous oxide irreversibly disables methionine synthase, the enzyme your body needs to build and maintain the myelin sheath insulating the nerves. — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Starting kindergarten brings excitement and nerves, and parents searching for help with kindergarten separation anxiety are often looking for practical strategies before the first bell rings. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Researchers say the practice elicits a stronger response from the parasympathetic nervous system, the network of nerves that helps the body relax after stress. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing nerves

• get on one's nerves