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

The low scores are mostly due to nerves, not lack of potential. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Other specialists may become involved if Sjögren’s disease affects the lungs, nerves, kidneys, or other organs. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

The bond market has sold off this year amid nerves about inflation and other concerns. — Matt Stiles, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

If confusion rises, choose a clear first step and move, because momentum calms nerves and shows allies where to join you. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026

Face a short turnaround and whatever additional nerves that could come with a desire of having to put on a show to open their new stadium hosting the Lions. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

And considering there shouldn’t be another bout of debut nerves for either back, the Irish should be able to recreate all that late production. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

According to William, the only way his dad could uncoil his nerves was with a joint. — Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

In deep money trouble with local mob boss Abu Rabih (Haytham Chamass), Hamza is all bristly nerves, always a hair’s breadth from falling apart, and, for the other characters and the audience alike, perhaps the riskiest element of the scheme. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing nerves

• get on one's nerves