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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 final stretch was nervy and tense, as Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard drew a foul from Mitchell and sank two free throws, then Indiana’s Natasha Howard missed a 2-foot hook shot for the win.
—
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Many believe Newcastle and Chelsea will secure places regardless, but there is a huge opportunity to get within touching distance of confirmation with a win, while defeat would make for a nervy end to the season, with both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa ready to pounce on any mistakes.
—Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Courtesy of Marshall Moving into a new product category is a nervy undertaking for any company, and the current climate of tariff roulette only adds another level of uncertainty.
—Verity Burns, Wired News, 20 May 2025
The second half belongs mainly to Jordan Pickford, whose saves ensure there is no nervy finale.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Many believe Newcastle and Chelsea will secure places regardless, but there is a huge opportunity to get within touching distance of confirmation with a win, while defeat would make for a nervy end to the season, with both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa ready to pounce on any mistakes.
—Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Courtesy of Marshall Moving into a new product category is a nervy undertaking for any company, and the current climate of tariff roulette only adds another level of uncertainty.
—Verity Burns, Wired News, 20 May 2025
The second half belongs mainly to Jordan Pickford, whose saves ensure there is no nervy finale.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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Over the last two seasons, Alexander has missed 20 games due to injury, and adding him into a cornerback room that is already reeling from health issues would not be the wisest decision.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 June 2025
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Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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For one thing: Bruce Springsteen heard Church’s new album, Evangeline vs. the Machine, an adventurous project that introduces orchestral and choral sounds to Church’s rebellious brand of country music.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
6 June 2025
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The dancer dreams of one day starting a travel TV show with his adventurous pup, on which they ping-pong around the world, helping to rescue stray animals and exploring the dances and cultures of other countries.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The video highlighted how visibly nervous Jessie was while using jokes to get through the show.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
6 June 2025
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There’s nothing to be nervous about going into a spray tan.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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So that's really the idea behind Cheeky Takeout—this idea that everyone, once in a while, needs a cheeky takeout.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
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According to Robinson, the new collection is cheekier than the brand's last one with the country star.—
Ilana Kaplan,
People.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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The Russian missile attack on Ukraine comes days after Ukraine’s security service launched a series of daring, large-scale drone attacks deep into Russia, striking airfields and hitting 41 Russian military aircrafts.—
Victoria Butenko,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
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His career was built around the principles that a great idea can come from anywhere, a box office triumph is meant to be shared by an entire team and our creative choices need to be bold and daring.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Georgia, too, is worried about Ginny's behind-the-scenes machinations.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
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The freemium search engine Kagi isn't worried about having the most comprehensive index.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Now retired, Nouveau Chapeau is helping Charis get back to bolder colors and patterns.—
Emiene Wright,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
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Her makeup included standout elements as bold brows, lined eyes and another pop of color thanks to her bold red lip.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Additionally, there are the newcomers, fearless, fast, and ready to shake things up.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Bred in Germany centuries ago to hunt badgers, dachshunds were designed to be persistent and fearless.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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