1
as in to paralyze
to deprive of courage or confidence
the riding accident so unnerved me that for a while I was afraid to get back on a horse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to discourage
to lessen the courage or confidence of
a figure skater can't afford to be unnerved by an occasional slipup
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unnerve
Trump has unnerved Greenland's leaders by offering to purchase it from Denmark − without ruling out military action or economic coercion.
—
Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
One couple actually comes into contact with them, in a sequence that feels unnerving even for this high-anxiety series.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
China has been gripped by a surge of sudden episodes of violence targeting random members of the public – including children – in recent months as economic growth stutters, unnerving a public long accustomed to low violent crime rates and ubiquitous surveillance.
—Hassan Tayir, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025
Democrats have been unnerved by recent polls that show Harris’ numbers sagging among Black voters, particularly young men.
—Josh Feldman, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for unnerve
Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
One couple actually comes into contact with them, in a sequence that feels unnerving even for this high-anxiety series.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
China has been gripped by a surge of sudden episodes of violence targeting random members of the public – including children – in recent months as economic growth stutters, unnerving a public long accustomed to low violent crime rates and ubiquitous surveillance.
—Hassan Tayir, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025
Democrats have been unnerved by recent polls that show Harris’ numbers sagging among Black voters, particularly young men.
—Josh Feldman, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for unnerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerve
Verb
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He was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died three months later.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2025
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The disturbing event all but paralyzes Kyle on the couch as the viral loathing continues.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Emotional illiteracy, disconnection from the body and organizational cultures that discourage vulnerability reinforce this divide.—
Nancy Zamierowski,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Two years ago, several small-business owners testified to a legislative committee that Americans with Disabilities Act plaintiffs’ lawyers filed spurious complaints, alleging what appeared to be a random list of violations in an attempt to frighten and intimidate the business owner.—
Mark Hillman,
Denver Post,
16 Apr. 2025
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This has hallmarks of emotional abuse – non-physical behaviors meant to isolate, control and frighten.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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What frustrates you most about navigating love in the digital age?—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
25 Apr. 2025
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Piastri and his camp, led by steely former F1 racer Mark Webber, were frustrated with Alpine’s slow progress towards his F1 graduation.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The house that the Americans strategically position themselves in is home to two families; there are occasional insert shots of family photos and trinkets, and at several points these families are shown cowering, terrified by what’s happening around them.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
17 Apr. 2025
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Addie is gripping onto her seat completely terrified.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And since cleaning with bleach can be intimidating (ever have a load of laundryruined thanks to leftover bleach in the washing machine?), denture tablets can be a safer, easier alternative to getting your whites back to bright.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Apr. 2025
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James, through a spokesperson, said she will not be intimidated.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Missouri product is a solid route-runner with sure hands, but there are some off-field concerns that could scare teams away.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Apr. 2025
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As the Trump administration arbitrarily revokes and denies student visas, and xenophobic rhetoric scares away potential foreigners, agencies specializing in recruiting students from abroad are facing a sharp downturn.—
Emma Whitford,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unnerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnerve. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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