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 Trump has unnerved Greenland's leaders by offering to purchase it from Denmark − without ruling out military action or economic coercion. Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025 One couple actually comes into contact with them, in a sequence that feels unnerving even for this high-anxiety series. Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025 China has been gripped by a surge of sudden episodes of violence targeting random members of the public – including children – in recent months as economic growth stutters, unnerving a public long accustomed to low violent crime rates and ubiquitous surveillance. Hassan Tayir, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 Democrats have been unnerved by recent polls that show Harris’ numbers sagging among Black voters, particularly young men. Josh Feldman, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for unnerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerve
Verb
  • He was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died three months later.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The disturbing event all but paralyzes Kyle on the couch as the viral loathing continues.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide.
    Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The king of the forest was once frightened by the sound of a bull.
    John Nemec, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The prospect of returning to the role, first for a West End reprise in February and then for the Brooklyn performance frightened her.
    Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What frustrates you most about navigating love in the digital age?
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Piastri and his camp, led by steely former F1 racer Mark Webber, were frustrated with Alpine’s slow progress towards his F1 graduation.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The house that the Americans strategically position themselves in is home to two families; there are occasional insert shots of family photos and trinkets, and at several points these families are shown cowering, terrified by what’s happening around them.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Addie is gripping onto her seat completely terrified.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During this protest, police intimidated and ultimately beat the strikers, resulting the death of at least six people, according to the American Postal Workers Union.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • However, many Americans feel intimidated by the technology.
    Nikolaus Kimla, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • There were no players who really scared opposing defensive coordinators.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In the beginning of the movie, Karsh goes on a date, but his grief scares the woman away.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnerve. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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