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

If nerves rise, steel your voice and lead with the headline, since plain language travels farther than frills. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026

But the 2020-2022 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature confessed to some nerves about his newest book, Soundtrack (out April 14 from Crown Books for Young Readers). —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

Even early on, before the gruesomeness starts spiraling out of control, Stephen McKeon’s stabbing, head-scrambling score and Peter Albrechtsen’s gut-churning soundscape work overtime to jangle our nerves. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026

For all the talk of nerves and late-season hiccups, Arsenal’s hopes of achieving a Premier League-Champions League double are still alive after Mikel Arteta’s men progressed in the Champions League, setting up a semi-final against Atletico Madrid. —Jack Lang, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026

There were nerves in the first inning and nerves the whole time. —CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

If nerves rise, write the sentence first, read it aloud once, and then deliver it calmly so your point lands cleanly. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2026

This time, that spike wasn’t due to nerves. —Ryan Brennan april 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026

An abduction sequence ties the audience’s nerves in knots with cinematographer Isaac Bauman’s athletic tracking shot loping up the stairs to Margot’s apartment accompanied by Gavin Brivik’s pulse-hammering score. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing nerves

• get on one's nerves