unnerved 1 of 2

unnerved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of unnerve

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unnerved
Adjective
Investors appeared unnerved by big increases in spending that Meta Platforms and Microsoft are planning as the investment spree related to artificial-intelligence technology keeps gushing. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025 But over the past year, YouTube’s domination of The Gauge has unnerved executives at some competitors. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025 Opposition Peronists hope to build on their unexpectedly wide victory in Buenos Aires provincial elections last month, which unnerved markets. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 The moves between the world’s two largest economies have rattled markets, unnerved global industries of production shocks, and rekindled fears of a repeat of the tit-for-tat tariff offense in spring, when levies on Chinese and American imports reached levels tantamount to trade embargoes. John Liu, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025 Last month, The Star reported about other gas leaks that unnerved area residents in the wake of the deadly home explosion. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025 And all went according to plan — except, say some Swifties, for one aspect that’s unnerved and angered them. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025 For Birkin, getting older meant a kind of invisibility, a prospect that at once unnerved and elated her. Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 Leann Williams, a resident of New Orleans neighborhood Tremé, was unnerved by the sight of heavily armed military personnel holding machine guns at the Superdome. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
At the same time, the state assemblyman’s calls to raise taxes on wealthy people and intense criticisms of the Israel’s military actions in Gaza have unnerved some centrists and conservatives, as well as many Jewish New Yorkers. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 At the same time, the state assemblyman's calls to raise taxes on the wealthy and intense criticisms of the Israeli government's military actions in Gaza have unnerved some centrists and conservatives. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 The new administration’s unorthodox business policies — plus questions about the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate thinking — have unnerved many business owners and corporate executives. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerved
Adjective
  • When the Premier Lacrosse League’s Boston Cannons opened training camp back in May with unstrung lacrosse stick heads, players knew who to ask for an assist.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The uncertainty and high stakes surrounding major events like natural disasters and election outcomes often leave people feeling powerless, which can heighten anxiety—especially when they’re personally impacted.
    Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city is powerless to stop a state contractor’s controversial plan to convert a former West Roxbury nursing home into a homeless shelter for families and migrants as community opposition intensifies.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For youth paralyzed by dread, this is a counter-story — one of belonging, purpose and the possibility of building a better future.
    Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics is slated to publish September inflation data on Friday morning, in spite of a government shutdown that has paralyzed federal reporting and has no end in sight.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If what once felt easy starts to get complicated, don’t be discouraged.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • That quickly discouraged Cleveland from rushing through big-bodied personnel, though the Browns tried to no avail against the Pats' base and nickel personnel packages.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Several hours — and what was probably pounds of foundation — later, an exhausted Diaz had to get back to the New Orleans airport to catch his flight while the rest of the team was at the stadium.
    Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also warned that exhausted, stressed and overworked controllers, many of whom have reported needing to get second jobs to cover bills while their paychecks are paused, could increase risks of issues arising at airports, and more have been calling in sick.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Frank feels emasculated by everyone and everything.
    Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Noah is a debt-addled, nerdy middle-aged who feels totally emasculated by his inability to get a project off the ground.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Malik’s boss is not happy that Malik doesn’t have a grip on the Crane brothers, though Malik assures him that Amos frightened Sarah into backing off — and that Dinah is tucked away at a safe house.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t be frightened, though, fans; The Parent Trap gal is still in the competition!
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That can impact on squad unity, with individuals frustrated by their lack of chances.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Smith’s next point is what ticked off Barkley, who was visibly frustrated at the desk.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unnerved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnerved. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unnerved

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!