nervy

adjective

ˈnər-vē How to pronounce nervy (audio)
Definition of nervynext
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

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.
Recent Examples of nervy By the time Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworthy’s previous band, Ought, came to an end in 2021, the Montreal group had morphed from nervy, scrappy post-punk to grandiose art rock. — David Glickman, Pitchfork, 7 May 2026 The sole film helmed by Oscar-winning actor Charles Laughton, The Night of the Hunter is one of the great one-off directorial efforts, a nervy chase movie drenched in Southern Gothic atmosphere. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 Outside Boston last weekend, during Scotland’s first World Cup match in twenty-eight years, a nervy 1–0 victory against Haiti, McTominay heard plenty of familiar cheers. — Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 Yet following closely behind is Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth), Wardex’s nervy CEO, who’s intent on burying the facts out of fear that humanity can’t handle this mind-expanding knowledge. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
  1. wise
  2. adventurous
  3. nervous
  4. cheeky
  5. daring
  6. worried
  7. bold
  8. fearless
Adjective
  • Historically, the spring editions of the Paris men’s trade shows have been less significant business-wise than shows for fall collections, but that is shifting.
    — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • Still, there are moments when stepping back is the wiser act of stewardship, for both the owner and the business.
    — Scott Hanson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of wise
Adjective
  • More adventurous ingredients and sauces, like the chimichurri served with the beef bowl at Jurassic World Canteen, come on the side so adults can customize their meals while younger eaters can enjoy the same dish without unfamiliar flavors.
    — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
  • America’s 13 original colonies were teeming with adventurous foreigners who formed the bedrock of our dynamic economy and democracy.
    — Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026
Definition of adventurous
Adjective
  • At Clis boutique in Melrose Park, owner Jeimmy Espina is nervous and overwhelmed by the number of dead and injured in her home country.
    — Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Apple head honchos are nervous about cybersecurity – and one reason might be a recent supply chain attack on supplier Tata, the largest Indian company of its kind to ink a partnership with the front-running American smartphone company.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • Elsewhere in her post, Kardashian modeled a micro hot pink bikini with a scoop neckline and cheeky bottoms.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 1 July 2026
  • Available at Printemps in New York and Paris, the capsule includes palm-print luggage, velvet slippers embroidered with the collection’s cheeky slogan and coffee cups inspired by the legendary Raffles butler service.
    — Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of cheeky
Adjective
  • Looking back to 2017, Pippa Middleton attended day seven of the championships in a daring look that deserves a second glance.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • No genre of art requires more daring.
    — Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of daring
Adjective
  • The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
  • Hollywood insider Rob Shuter is reporting that guests to the wedding are worried about the itinerary and the scale of the celebration.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • From bold color contrast to sheer layering and retro prints, caftans can be styled far beyond a basic beach coverup.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • The vines work hard to take root, and from their struggle come wines that are bold, aromatic, and uniquely Croatian.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Definition of bold
Adjective
  • Tops on that list is the late Grateful Dead founder Bob Weir — who died in January at 78 — as a model for a band staying fearless and uncompromising.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Miller is one of the badass women who have starred in the Power Universe, a franchise that does a great job of spotlighting strong and fearless female characters.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of fearless

Browse Nearby Words

nervous wrecks
nervy
nescience
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Cite this Entry

“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nervy for Spanish Speakers

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