nerve-racking

adjective

nerve-rack·​ing ˈnərv-ˌra-kiŋ How to pronounce nerve-racking (audio)
variants or nerve-wracking
Synonyms of nerve-rackingnext
: extremely trying on the nerves
a nerve-racking ordeal
The job interview was a nerve-racking experience.

Synonyms of nerve-racking

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Examples of nerve-racking in a Sentence

the nerve-racking wait to learn the identities of the passengers who were killed in the plane crash
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whitaker is just starting his first year, but is that nerve-racking to know as an actor? — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2026 The ball will be reversed to Johnson in nerve-racking moments. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2026 That’s the nerve-racking part of this (World Cup); the watching, the waiting. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 23 June 2026 One of the most dangerous and nerve-racking parts of the Artemis II mission is still ahead. — Tom Costello, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nerve-racking

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nerve-racking was in 1812

Rhymes for nerve-racking

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Browse Nearby Words

nerve net
nerve-racking
nerve ring
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Cite this Entry

“Nerve-racking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerve-racking. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nerve-racking

Nglish: Translation of nerve-racking for Spanish Speakers

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