Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unnerve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unnerve are emasculate, enervate, and unman. While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act.

unnerved by the near collision

When can emasculate be used instead of unnerve?

In some situations, the words emasculate and unnerve are roughly equivalent. However, emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential.

an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

Where would enervate be a reasonable alternative to unnerve?

The words enervate and unnerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort.

a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

When is unman a more appropriate choice than unnerve?

The synonyms unman and unnerve are sometimes interchangeable, but unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit.

a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

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 unnerve Nonetheless, Lloyd's production is handsomely realized, with striking silhouetttes courtesy of Jon Clark and unnerving sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, who add a low whirr of dread to the existential fable. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025 There will be many situations that have the potential to unnerve even the most experienced leaders. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The Sweet Dove Died is a novel that sets clashing unexpected currents in motion to stimulate and unnerve. Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025 Incompetence has a way of unnerving its witnesses. Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerve
Verb
  • Floods, fires, and extreme storms can paralyze entire regions, forcing businesses to shut down while public employees continue to draw wages.
    Ugo Troiano, Oc Register, 25 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
  • Officials say these measures are aimed at discouraging irregular migration and securing the border, contributing to a notable decline in Border Patrol apprehensions compared with previous years.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When the Maitlands' attempts to frighten the Deetzes away fail miserably, Barbara and Adam turn to the mysterious and mischievous Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to rid them of the living.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Around 100 pairs were found abandoned on the roof, perhaps due to the thieves being frightened away, Sheriff John Budensiek said at the news conference.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Faye is both highly supportive yet frustrated by the distant Springsteen, who showers her with love before disappearing into his music.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
  • So when Luise was frustrated by her experiments with canvas one afternoon at MacDowell and threw her scraps into her studio’s fireplace, Morton was there to witness the epiphany that followed.
    Grace Edquist, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While film critics typically lead with the physical transformation that Sweeney pulled off, equally impressive is her ability to delve into the psyche of a woman who was fearless in the ring but rightfully terrified of the man closest to her.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
  • And a chance encounter with ICE in August landed Barojas Solano in detention for six weeks, upending his legal process and leaving them terrified that he could be detained again.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But hiring off-duty cops to intimidate and extort victims, or throw them in jail, represented a significant escalation.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
  • While attempting a new hairstyle can feel a bit intimidating, Taylor encourages experimentation and reminds us that curls come in various shapes, patterns, and sizes.
    Essence, Essence, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The former instantly adds a second layer of security against unwanted guests, and the latter emits an ultra-loud alarm while acting like a door stop wedge, scaring off any stranger who tries to enter your room.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Actors dressed as sadistic guards and disturbed prisoners, jump-scaring visitors from the prison cells.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnerve. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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