nerve 1 of 2

Definition of nervenext
1
2
3

nerve

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nerve different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of nerve are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery.

the nerve of that guy
has the cheek to call herself a singer
had the gall to demand proof
the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

Where would audacity be a reasonable alternative to nerve?

The words audacity and nerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When is it sensible to use effrontery instead of nerve?

Although the words effrontery and nerve have much in common, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When could hardihood be used to replace nerve?

In some situations, the words hardihood and nerve are roughly equivalent. However, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When is temerity a more appropriate choice than nerve?

The synonyms temerity and nerve are sometimes interchangeable, but temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

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 nerve
Noun
Bone health is the benefit most people associate with calcium, but calcium is also essential for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, normal blood clotting, and more. Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 30 June 2026 Though the nerves underscored both Broadway and gymnastics, the support systems starkly contrasted. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The United States’ swashbuckling intensity is usually a recipe for defeat in the World Cup knockout rounds, when the winner is more often the team that holds its defensive nerve. Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026 Calcium is essential for supporting your bone health as well as your muscle and nerve health. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve
Noun
  • For in the last years of her life she will be troubled by terrible digestion and chronic bowel problems set off by a bout of grave illness, diagnosed as typhoid fever and gall-bladder disease, in the autumn of 1860.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
  • This microscopic roundworm lays its eggs in root tissues, causing swellings or galls to develop on infected roots.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Their courage quickly wavers in the face of the location’s eerie atmosphere and the deafening sound of cicadas.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
  • That courage is greater than talent, and people remember who had it.
    Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Top-selling items included protein shakes, trash bags and cat treats, according to Numerator, which looks at spending from more than 59,000 households.
    Spencer Soper, Fortune, 27 June 2026
  • Despite the growth of bars, ready-to-drink shakes and high-protein foods, protein powder remains the dominant format in this category.
    Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • In the three years between Special and Bitch, Lizzo began bracing herself for a sharp decline in public interest by creating music that existed on the outskirts of what audiences came to know her for.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026
  • Now, as traders fear the bitcoin house of cards could be collapsing, the market is braced for the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation to cement an interest rate hike later this year.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
  • In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
    Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Just watching as a fan from a distance, I was impressed by her bravery.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026
  • There has been an outpouring of support on social media for those who stopped to help, heralding their bravery and selflessness.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • The warning that exuberant investors might not be quite rational sent temporary shivers through global stock markets.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Or mountains of chips covered in mole or salsa fortified with chile pasilla in Oaxaca.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • All of this came after Florida’s four trades for star forward Brady Tkachuk, starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom, backup goaltender Akira Schmid and fourth-line forward Garnet Hathaway to fortify what on paper was already a stout roster.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerve. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on nerve

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster