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!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
Gauff wins battle of Americans Gauff lost the opening set at Roland Garros in a nervy tiebreaker to Keys but bounced back emphatically to eventually win 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-1, ending Keys’ 11-match grand slam win streak.
—
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Neither the writer-director nor Frank Dillane, who plays Mike with nervy volatility offset by insouciant charm and humor, courts our sympathies, even as the film shows unquestionable compassion.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
But her life story is nervy, compelling and shockingly sad both with and without him.
—Kim Willis, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Neither the writer-director nor Frank Dillane, who plays Mike with nervy volatility offset by insouciant charm and humor, courts our sympathies, even as the film shows unquestionable compassion.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
But her life story is nervy, compelling and shockingly sad both with and without him.
—Kim Willis, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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Stashing a talented prospect like him is a wise decision for a front office that should be taking a long view with its rebuild, not to mention Douglas’ history of concussions (two in 2023) and contract coming up next season.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
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But the Tigers also made wise offseason moves, not the least of which was signing former New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Today’s savvy travelers are chasing something deeper, more adventurous.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Newman and Marnell, as the adventurous Bill and gentlemanly Harry, respectively, fully embrace their kooky characters and revel in their eccentricities, while Wallace imbues an affable nature and optimism to Sam.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But as Trump appears to ignore court decisions and high-level administration officials are suggesting suspending the writ of habeas corpus, Bolick is nervous the United States is heading toward authoritarianism.—
Amanda Luberto,
AZCentral.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Students, meanwhile, often get nervous about asking for clarification or diving deeper into a topic in front of their peers.—
Shelbie Witte,
The Conversation,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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However, the singer responded with a cheeky video on Friday, Aug. 22.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Unsurprisingly, official claims of medicinal properties have long since vanished, beyond the occasional, cheeky post on the company’s self-aware social media.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Five-foot-10 and 170 pounds in his prime, Rondell was known for his daring diving, gymnastic and hang-gliding skills.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Aug. 2025
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The documentary, which premiered at Tribeca Festival 2024, follows a daring rescue by a heroic team of zookeepers and volunteers who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a zoo behind enemy lines during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, however, didn’t necessarily appear worried when asked what joint practices taught him about his cornerbacks.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
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Many were worried about stripping precipitation out of a cloud and robbing people downstream of rain.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The bold infrastructure plan commanded multiple articles on the front page.—
Jennifer Brett,
Nashville Tennessean,
17 Aug. 2025
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This collection hits hard with satin bombers, pullover windbreakers, bold navy and orange team colors, and all the vintage Starter flair that defined a generation of sideline style.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Gabrielle Union at 52 straddles both worlds with playful, fearless styling that balances skin and sophistication.—
Karissa Mitchell,
Essence,
18 Aug. 2025
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The fearless filmmaker has faced a lot of headwinds over the years but continues to find comfort in the Salute community, which balances artists with unique POVs and supporting authenti, good craft.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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