as in shivers
a sense of panic or extreme nervousness
a veteran performer who still gets a case of the nerves before performances
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in braces
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally
needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nerves
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
On March 9, Avry Jo, who is now 4, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a highly aggressive cancer of the nerves that typically occurs within the first few years of life.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Each of these stories strikes some very contemporary nerves — conspiracy theorists, political justice, runaway capitalism, climate change — though their origins are not all rooted in the present.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
Scientists have long known that nerves grow into some tumors and that tumors containing lots of nerves usually lead to a worse prognosis.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
Oliver Glasner’s team are on a winless run of 12 games across all competitions, and there are nerves about being dragged into a relegation battle.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Clear numbers calm nerves and protect your energy well today.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Did the masks help alleviate any nerves?
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Magnesium Magnesium, a supplement usually used to relax muscles and nerves, is also promoted as an energy booster.
—Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
And there have been nerves about AI eating into software’s market share for a while.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
On March 9, Avry Jo, who is now 4, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a highly aggressive cancer of the nerves that typically occurs within the first few years of life.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
Each of these stories strikes some very contemporary nerves — conspiracy theorists, political justice, runaway capitalism, climate change — though their origins are not all rooted in the present.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
Scientists have long known that nerves grow into some tumors and that tumors containing lots of nerves usually lead to a worse prognosis.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
Oliver Glasner’s team are on a winless run of 12 games across all competitions, and there are nerves about being dragged into a relegation battle.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Clear numbers calm nerves and protect your energy well today.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Did the masks help alleviate any nerves?
—Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Magnesium Magnesium, a supplement usually used to relax muscles and nerves, is also promoted as an energy booster.
—Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerves
Noun
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Algebra in between scenes… sends shivers down my spine!—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
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Their accounts gave me shivers of recognition—their experiences echoed my father’s stories.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) has confirmed a second death from last weekend's winter storm as the state braces for more extreme weather in the coming days.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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New Hampshire New Hampshire Public Radio has resources for finding shelters and staying safe as the state braces for extreme cold, including temperatures of -30 and wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour.—
Anusha Mathur,
NPR,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Trading for Vucevic fortifies Boston’s front court–and provides a valuable play-making skill set to complement Jaylen Brown in a season worthy of MVP consideration.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
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Beyond aesthetics, the $11 formula fortifies your fingernails, no matter how damaged.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nerves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerves. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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