1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
Neither the writer-director — whose influences here include Mike Leigh, Ken Loach and Gus Van Sant — nor lead Frank Dillane, who acts with a nervy volatility offset by insouciant charm and humor, courts our sympathies, even as the film shows unquestionable compassion.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
The final stretch was nervy and tense, as Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard drew a foul from Mitchell and sank two free throws, then Indiana’s Natasha Howard missed a 2-foot hook shot for the win.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Many believe Newcastle and Chelsea will secure places regardless, but there is a huge opportunity to get within touching distance of confirmation with a win, while defeat would make for a nervy end to the season, with both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa ready to pounce on any mistakes.
—Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Courtesy of Marshall Moving into a new product category is a nervy undertaking for any company, and the current climate of tariff roulette only adds another level of uncertainty.
—Verity Burns, Wired News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
The final stretch was nervy and tense, as Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard drew a foul from Mitchell and sank two free throws, then Indiana’s Natasha Howard missed a 2-foot hook shot for the win.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Many believe Newcastle and Chelsea will secure places regardless, but there is a huge opportunity to get within touching distance of confirmation with a win, while defeat would make for a nervy end to the season, with both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa ready to pounce on any mistakes.
—Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Courtesy of Marshall Moving into a new product category is a nervy undertaking for any company, and the current climate of tariff roulette only adds another level of uncertainty.
—Verity Burns, Wired News, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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In hindsight that decision may not have been the wisest.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
5 July 2025
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Demonstrating a talent for working in fluent french peppered with a british accent, the actor delivers one of his most indelible acting turns as the sly, wry, and wise business mogul-turned- butler who finds new purpose in life working on the other side of the fence.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Fisherman core Sagittarius is adventurous and layered, both literally and figuratively.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
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According to friends and family, Hubert is kind, selfless, capable and adventurous.—
Bella Waters,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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The odds of a recession may be falling, but states appear to be betting that corporate leaders are still nervous.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
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Then there's the real world, which is entirely different, so in reality people have nothing to be nervous about.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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From classic, no-frills options ideal with cheeky monograms to elevated designer takes that instantly upgrade any look, find the perfect canvas tote for your style needs ahead.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
3 July 2025
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In a cheeky Valentine's Day message on X, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows doubled down on his commitment to pass school voucher legislation in the state, promising President Donald Trump adviser Elon Musk that the lower chamber will do its part to deliver public money for private schooling.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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The lineup includes Sharks Up Close, in which wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory embarks on a daring cage-free dive to capture the raw power and beauty of great whites on film, and Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, the authorized documentary marking the 50th anniversary of the film.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
30 June 2025
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Still, leaping over a 100-foot ravine with a baby clinging to your back seems like a daring choice.—
Skylar Knight,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Critics of Greene's bill are worried that the legislation could disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals, who naturally stand to make more profits from a home sale.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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One of the biggest shifts since the time of Rose is that far fewer Americans are worried about this potential problem.—
Harry Enten,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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And Los Angeles needs bold, systemic reform to meet the moment.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
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Since his 2018 debut album, he’s used his singular songs, bold fashion and social activism to amass a worldwide fandom and set industry records.—
Jennifer McClellan,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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McClain’s fearless dive was part of a surge WPVC delivered after trailing 7-4 in Game 2.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 June 2025
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The fifth book in the Meant To Be collection has everything that this fire sign thrives on: action, challenge and fearless ambition.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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