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

Back in 2023, Stevens revealed he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome—a rare auto-immune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves—and was working to relearn how to walk and use his hands. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that primarily affects the skin, nerves and eyes. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

But in about 1 out of every 200 infections globally, the virus attacks the nerves that control muscles, usually in the legs. — Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

Footsteps drum up and down the staircase as the remaining performers in this Saturday competition rehearse their routines, nerves and excitement mounting. — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

The final policy excludes therapeutic procedures targeting nerves such as the pudendal nerve and ganglion impar, interventions used for some forms of severe pelvic pain. — Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Where most body parts can recover from trauma to some degree, damage to our nerves isn’t granted the same latitude. — Mike McRae 21, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026

Steven Huefner, deputy director of the Election Law Program at Ohio State University, says poll chaplains might be able to calm the frayed nerves of a voting public that is constantly exposed to divisive rhetoric and news about political violence. — Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Multiple sclerosis damages the protective cover around one’s nerves, according to the Cleveland Clinic. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing nerves

• get on one's nerves