UNNERVINGLY Synonyms: 214 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

unnerve 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˌən-ˈnərv

Definition of unnerve

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of a figure skater can't afford to be unnerved by an occasional slipup

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

unnerving

2 of 3

adjective

as in disturbing

marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings the unnerving news of yet another murder

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

unnerving

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of unnerve

as in paralyzing

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in discouraging

to lessen the courage or confidence of a figure skater can't afford to be unnerved by an occasional slipup

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Verb

Moldova reports another drone incursion During the aerial barrages, drones have repeatedly strayed into neighboring countries, unnerving leaders who are wary of Russia and fear being dragged into conflict. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 During the aerial barrages, drones have repeatedly strayed into neighboring countries, unnerving leaders who are wary of Russia and fear being dragged into conflict. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Adjective

For other families quietly and often despairingly living with similar problems of addiction and mental illness involving their children, the tragedy is an unnerving, looming specter — a worst-case scenario made real. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 Yet ballrooms dipped in gold are still not as unnerving as the fact that America’s $40 trillion federal debt is now bigger than the entire annual economic output of almost every single nation on Earth. — Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Verb

During the aerial barrages, drones have repeatedly strayed into neighboring countries, unnerving leaders who are wary of Russia and fear being dragged into conflict. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026 OpenAI said quarter-on-quarter sales growth cooled to 18% while losses deepened, unnerving investors as the firm prepares for what is expected to be one of the biggest IPOs ever. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnerve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerve

Verb

But the more productive expansion has to do with character, especially as regards Carrie and her mother, who is not the deranged, abusive religious fanatic of previous versions, but an essentially loving parent frightened of the modern world.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
The stranger’s hollow cheeks, his dark eyes, whose lashes always appeared wet, the bony shoulders that protruded from the singlet Chee Meng had lent him—all of it frightened Shawn.

— Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

In response, Cobb County police plan to increase patrols on and around the holiday and other departments are discouraging participation.

— Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 3 Oct. 2026
The combination of higher rates and short supply discourages current homeowners from moving, especially those who locked in mortgages at affordably low interest rates.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of discourage

Verb

To make matters worse, companies like Target—frustrated by an underdeveloped Southeast Asian factory ecosystem—are moving supply chains back to China.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
When a batter gets thrown out at second base for trying to turn a single into a double, fans get frustrated.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrate

Verb

White did hesitate at the prospect of playing another real-life figure so soon after his intimidating portrayal of Bruce Springsteen in Scott Cooper’s underappreciated gem, Deliver Me from Nowhere.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Especially to the book-curious, who may feel intimidated stepping into a store.

— John Wenzel, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of intimidate

Verb

There are a few other helpful features, such as two-way talk to speak with visitors on the other side of your door, as well as a siren that can scare away any unwanted parties.

— George Yang, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
More than anything, this adaptation feels scared of being too unlikable or scaring anyone too much.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of scare

Browse Nearby Words

unnegotiable

unnerve

unnerved

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unnerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnerve. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unnerve

verb (1)

adjective

verb (2)

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

galore

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes