1
as in paralyzes
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 discourages
to lessen the courage or confidence of
a figure skater can't afford to be unnerved by an occasional slipup
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unnerves
The idea unnerves critics but thrills its architects.
—
Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 May 2026
Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerves
Verb
-
In fact, too much choice often paralyzes decision-making.—
David Meade,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
-
Once an octopus ambushes and bites its prey, the venom in its saliva paralyzes the prey, allowing the octopus to consume it.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Basil discourages mosquitoes and houseflies, while mint helps push back ants and mosquitoes.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
-
Stating it from federal authority stigmatizes depression treatment and discourages people from seeking care.—
Jonathan Slater,
STAT,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
But the future Hall of Famer is coming off ACL surgery, might lack mobility, and has a receiving corps that frightens nobody.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
-
The piercing sunlight frightens her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When the cityscape frustrates urban photographers with uneven terrain or limited spaces, photographic gear company Silence Corner strikes back with the Viperpod – a hybrid tripod designed to hang anywhere in seconds for unencumbered solo shooting.—
Shirl Leigh
May 06,
New Atlas,
6 May 2026
-
What frustrates me is that the Board has invoked emergency powers for rent policy while failing to declare an actual public health emergency for unsheltered homelessness — the one domain where the legal, moral, and practical case is overwhelming.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Frankly, the thought of being beaten by the subscribers terrifies me.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Aubry Bracco is the kind of player who terrifies a certain (male) demographic of Survivor alumni.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The public scares me, mobs scare me.—
Liz McNeil,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
-
That's what scares people who spoke with CBS News Baltimore.—
Ashley Paul,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
Any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates or interferes with airline crew members can lead to penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, according to the FAA.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
-
The aura of the classical guitar intimidates me.—
Peter Wayne Moe,
Longreads,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Her healing skills soon prove invaluable, but her wild, curious nature unsettles the monks as an evil count threatens to destroy anyone who dares protect her.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
19 May 2026
-
His decision to pull out of the house sales upends an entire property chain, as his manipulative nature unsettles those around him.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unnerves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnerves. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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