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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in braces
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nerves
Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The actress was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a central nervous system condition that damages nerves, affecting the electrical signals in the brain, in 2018.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
Yeah, your nerves are jangled for sure.
—Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
Right off the bat, the nerves and excitement amongst the guests are clear.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
The three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and member of the Country Music and Songwriters Halls of Fame has battled Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease — a group of genetic conditions that affect the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body — since 2011.
—Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Oct. 2025
Turns out, Kelce was hiding more than just nerves.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
With bated breath, nerves on edge, Swift’s fans waited and waited to see what could be coming.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Clear info calms the nerves and gets people ready to party.
—Elle Chan, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
Those nerves showed themselves in the first period, as penalty trouble led to two goals from the elite Tampa Bay Lightning power play.
—Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The actress was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a central nervous system condition that damages nerves, affecting the electrical signals in the brain, in 2018.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
Yeah, your nerves are jangled for sure.
—Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
Right off the bat, the nerves and excitement amongst the guests are clear.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
The three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and member of the Country Music and Songwriters Halls of Fame has battled Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease — a group of genetic conditions that affect the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body — since 2011.
—Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Oct. 2025
Turns out, Kelce was hiding more than just nerves.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
With bated breath, nerves on edge, Swift’s fans waited and waited to see what could be coming.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Clear info calms the nerves and gets people ready to party.
—Elle Chan, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerves
Noun
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Dividend cuts ‘would send shivers through Wall Street’ Clark Williams-Derry, energy finance analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), a non-profit organization, said trimming the share buybacks is likely Big Oil’s easiest option.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
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Grab this sweatsuit and kiss mid-flight shivers goodbye.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As the first government shutdown in seven years got underway on Wednesday, tens of thousands of federal workers face the risk of missing paychecks as broader America braces for the absence of some key services.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
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Airport workers face unpaid shifts during government shutdown As the federal government braces for a shutdown, essential airport personnel—including TSA officers and air traffic controllers—will remain on duty without pay.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Trying to stay ahead of the game, for Dick’s the acquisition of Foot Locker also fortifies relationships with Nike and Adidas, which still dominate global footwear sales, and gives Dick’s negotiating leverage.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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The future Hall of Famer only fortifies the talented roster, and gives Houston an experienced star who has the championship hardware to prove it.—
Valentina Martinez,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nerves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerves. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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