1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
The best track on Trying Times channels the nervy brilliance of 2023’s Playing Robots Into Heaven, which dug into his dance music past without resorting to nostalgia.
—
Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
There was not one false move or false reaction in that nervy performance — one of the best of the year.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Are nervy Arsenal still title favourites?
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Nasir Uddin Khan gives a performance of sturdy, man-of-the-people authority, gradually slipping into nervy self-doubt, as Jahir, a high school history teacher popular with both his students and the general community in the small rural town of Mohoganj.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
There was not one false move or false reaction in that nervy performance — one of the best of the year.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Are nervy Arsenal still title favourites?
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Nasir Uddin Khan gives a performance of sturdy, man-of-the-people authority, gradually slipping into nervy self-doubt, as Jahir, a high school history teacher popular with both his students and the general community in the small rural town of Mohoganj.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
-
The Reds have been a pleasant surprise in the Eastern Conference of MLS and are comfortably in the mix of top east teams, standings wise.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Flavor-wise, both the Molten Lava Cake and Strawberry Burst were pleasant, but less singularly memorable than the Cinnamon Caramel Pop-Tart.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Wonder responded by making the most liberating, thoughtful, adventurous and eclectic work of his career.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Kane will be enjoying his time on the water and live his active and adventurous lifestyle.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Who isn’t nervous meeting the prospective in-laws for the first time?—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Jason Bateman delivers the mundane analogy like a pro, blending sincerity and uncertainty inside his singular, nervous vocal rhythms.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Opt for matte black for a modern farmhouse look or get cheeky with a glossy green.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
31 Mar. 2026
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Each rendezvous, complete with soap opera–worthy drama—hoarding, cheeky teasing, Alex Honnold–worthy climbing, slow-mo acrobatics, and aggression that made gathered onlookers gasp—further cemented our similarities as species.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Authorities on Tuesday reportedly apprehended the Michigan woman who went viral after wriggling her way through a police cruiser window while still handcuffed in a daring getaway, according to local outlets.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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The short teaser centers on yet more daring rescue missions from the heroic pups.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Democrats are worried that our troops eat too well.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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But, for now, some leaders remain worried about what happens next.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Expect bold, comforting flavors with a punk twist that always deliver unexpected food.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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Share a bold idea with a mentor, then take a clear first step, even if certain aspects of your plan must wait for timing or budget reasons.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In Aries – the zodiac’s fearless trailblazer — the sun burns hotter and brighter.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
-
While women pirates weren’t exactly a dime a dozen even during the height of piracy, there were a surprising number of fearless females who plied the seven seas.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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