as in nerve
shameless boldness
didn't appreciate her nerviness in asking my boyfriend on a date
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nerviness
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
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
See All Example Sentences for nerviness
Adjective
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
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
See All Example Sentences for nerviness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerviness
Noun
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The surgery comes with risks, including nerve injury and a loss of range of motion.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Aug. 2025
-
King has been out since mid-May with a nerve impingement near his right (throwing) shoulder.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That caution proved wise, as the photos of young Mohammad turned out to be highly misleading.—
Seth Mandel,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
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But for VCs like me, the wisest choice right now is to back the startups making healthcare systems more proactive, preventative, and fair – for everyone.—
Check Warner MBE,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Expedition crews are often leading Zodiac cruises or landing for hiking excursions in places none of them have ever been before, giving an exceptionally adventurous feel to outings.—
Cassidy Randall,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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But more adventurous viewers will find this an occult drama unusually rich in distinctive aesthetic and offbeat tonal rewards.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
31 July 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
Noun
-
Soak up the gall of losing, absorb the horrible information, feel it to the full, go there—and then rebound, with superb elasticity.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
22 July 2025
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And No Real Thorns An element of the posting that has gotten the gall of especially AI ethicists is that the era of AGI and ASI seems to be portrayed as solely uplifting and joyous.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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In July 2024, Thompson's daughter Gaia shared a cheeky post on her Instagram Stories poking fun at 2023's Barbie movie's tagline — and Thompson's ex, Kenneth Branagh.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Though milder in temperament, Turner is just as cheeky as Hickman.—
Kylie Volavongsa,
jsonline.com,
7 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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Many were worried about stripping precipitation out of a cloud and robbing people downstream of rain.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Nerviness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerviness. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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