1
as in to paralyze
to deprive of courage or confidence
the riding accident so unnerved me that for a while I was afraid to get back on a horse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to discourage
to lessen the courage or confidence of
a figure skater can't afford to be unnerved by an occasional slipup
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unnerve
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
Not all horror stories rely on jump scares and violent spectacle; some unearth their horrors from unnerving philosophical considerations.
—Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unnerve
Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Not all horror stories rely on jump scares and violent spectacle; some unearth their horrors from unnerving philosophical considerations.
—Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unnerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerve
Verb
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But in southern states like Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas, even 1 to 3 inches can paralyze roads.—
Sirena Bergman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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In May 2021, one of the largest fuel pipeline systems in the United States was paralyzed when a cyberattack brought operations to an abrupt halt.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Chiefly, many doctors say the label is largely responsible for stigmatizing hormone therapy and discouraging many women from taking it and doctors from prescribing it.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
10 Nov. 2025
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His father, Troy Adams, a driving coach and former NASCAR driver, had briefly discouraged the idea of becoming a race car driver, knowing the expense would be a factor, but soon came around.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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These political executions are a callous attempt by the authorities to frighten and silence an increasingly restive population no longer willing to accept their corrupt and oppressive rule.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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Tens of millions of dollars have been spent to redefine reality and to convince our neighbors that this new age is something that should frighten them.—
TIME Video,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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There were rumors Williams was frustrated with how the Jets were playing, and one can’t blame him, having been part of seven straight losing seasons.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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The deadlock has put a pall over Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are frustrated, staffers aren’t getting paid, and the mood is dark, even compared to shutdowns of years past.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Everyone was terrified of Friedkin.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
8 Nov. 2025
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Trump is terrified of the midterms, of Republicans losing control of the House or the Senate or both.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Millions of seniors stuck due to accessibility issues For seniors today, finding the right place to live out the rest of their lives is intimidating for a number of reasons.—
Sydney Franklin,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Nov. 2025
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Indeed, one of General George Washington’s greatest achievements was to avoid being cornered and forced to capitulate to these intimidating legions in the war’s early years.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Still, the company faces the same existential headwinds that have scared other would-be moguls away from the news business.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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Skinner has gone to back-to-back Cup Finals, but the volatility in his game probably scares decision-makers.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unnerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnerve. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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