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

And while Argentina’s culture of talk therapy may turn psychic suffering into words on the therapist’s couch, fans may be reassured that the pros are trained to translate their nerves into strategy on the pitch. — Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Mitochondria supply the raw materials for creating the neurotransmitters glutamate and acetylcholine, which manage our brain, nerves, and muscles. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026

Of course, when Netflix underwent some turbulence a few years ago, the company also made a lot of bold moves in response, such as the aforementioned addition of an advertising tier, and those actions ultimately calmed investors’ nerves. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 16 July 2026

Composer Ludwig Göransson scores the breath-holding assault on Troy to drums that pound faster and faster on our nerves, as does our alarm that Odysseus’ troops aren’t the good guys. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Brain cavities, inner ears, air spaces, nerves and blood vessels became visible for the first time, revealing how dinosaurs balanced, heard, smelled and perceived their world. — Kristi Curry Rogers, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

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

So often in a final, when nerves are at a fever pitch, the forehand is the stroke that is the least stable. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 11 July 2026

Phrases Containing nerves

• get on one's nerves