1
as in gall
shameless boldness
you've got a lot of nerve showing up here
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in courage
strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger
that daring rescue took some nerve
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3
as in shakes
nerves plural
a sense of panic or extreme nervousness
a veteran performer who still gets a case of the nerves before performances
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to brace
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nerve
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
Zero computer intervention is fun, without a doubt, but also a little nerve-racking when small drifts of gravel dot the road and undulations in the asphalt can cause momentary losses in traction.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Jones betrayed few nerves Sunday.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
Singh’s parents, as well as director Sara Zandieh’s parents, were all planning to see the film for the first time hours after this interview, and Singh’s nerves were back.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nerve
Noun
If Vance wanted to soothe the nation’s nerves, perhaps this seemed like a better way.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
Zero computer intervention is fun, without a doubt, but also a little nerve-racking when small drifts of gravel dot the road and undulations in the asphalt can cause momentary losses in traction.
—Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Jones betrayed few nerves Sunday.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
Singh’s parents, as well as director Sara Zandieh’s parents, were all planning to see the film for the first time hours after this interview, and Singh’s nerves were back.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve
Noun
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Two interesting examples of insects that need goldenrods are the goldenrod gall fly and the goldenrod gall moth.—
Markis Hill,
Kansas City Star,
16 Sep. 2025
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This crisis has shown us which world leaders will not only consent to this genocide, but brutally discipline their populations for having the gall to question it.—
Jack Sheehan
September 4,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ironically, the very adaptability and intellectual courage the future demands are often harder to cultivate in today’s college climate.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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In an atmosphere of repression and fear, these women discover courage, solidarity, and the power of imagination through the simple transformative act of reading together.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Over the past decade, In-N-Out has phased out some artificial dyes, flavors and ingredients within its beverages, shakes and condiments.—
George A. Paul,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Blend beet juice into smoothies or protein shakes.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Houston is bracing for the loss of Framber Valdez in free agency and has already lost three other starters — Ronel Blanco, Hayden Wesneski and Brandon Walter — to elbow surgeries that will keep them out for some portion of next season.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
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Ravens Pro Bowl edge rusher Kyle Van Noy is bracing to potentially miss multiple games due to a hamstring injury suffered Sunday, per source.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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All of these terms are used interchangeably to refer to projecting quiet confidence without arrogance.—
Melody Wilding,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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The Democratic Party is in shambles because it has become consumed by leadership that wants to have cerebral debates over abstract concepts, and the Republican Party brand, vis-à-vis its own leadership, fails to appeal to greater masses because of its fascination with uninformed arrogance.—
Fabian Naranjo Gonzalez,
Oc Register,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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From families torn apart to moments of hope emerging in the face of unspeakable tragedy to incredible bravery against the odds, each episode reveals the human cost and resilience born out of chaos.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Sep. 2025
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These include helping your family, helping your group, demonstrating reciprocity, demonstrating bravery, respecting a hierarchy and your superiors, dividing resources in an equitable way and respecting ownership of property.—
Tracy Brower,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Hank is a Dallas Cowboys diehard; the idea of Bobby getting into the Premier League sends him into full-body shivers.—
Jeremy Gordon,
The Atlantic,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Richer creams packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that fortify the skin’s barrier from the coming windchill and the telltale skin tightness from indoor heating take center stage on our top shelves.—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Just this past offseason Miami put an emphasis on fortifying the trenches, correcting a past wrong, adding players with size and girth on the offensive and defensive line via the NFL Draft.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerve. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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