nerves 1 of 2

noun

plural of nerve
as in shivers
a sense of panic or extreme nervousness a veteran performer who still gets a case of the nerves before performances

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nerves

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of nerve
as in braces
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow

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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 nerves
Noun
There’s predictably a lot of anxiety about the festival at a time when nerves are shot and resources are stretched thin. — Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026 Holopirek, a former teacher, admitted some nerves on opening day. — Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Investors have gotten a glimpse of what nerves about chip stocks can do the market. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Fluctuating estrogen levels can disrupt the nerves responsible for your sense of scent, leading to this symptom that’s equally bizarre and annoying. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026 But that didn’t settle the nerves of residents or commissioners Monday night. — Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 This could be a consequence of a breakdown in the functioning of the nerves themselves, hormonal dysregulation, changes in our gut’s microbes, or a combination of factors. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026 Ahead of the currently airing Season 21, Cowell spoke to USA TODAY in May about his initial nerves of being on camera after serving as an executive producer for the first 11 seasons. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 Stepping into this new phase in his life, Gardner says his nerves are rooted in the joy of stepping into his new teaching role — not whether the district’s financial uncertainty and teacher layoffs will affect him directly. — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerves
  1. shivers
  2. braces
  3. fortifies
Noun
  • Speaking to Julia Cunningham on her eponymous podcast, Adams says the moment when Cecile realizes her half-sister is the serial killer (while her mom was a plain ol’ one-off manslaughterer) still gives her the shivers.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Judith claims to be a forensic accountant, but is actually a career assassin whose very name sends shivers of fear through her enemies and ones of excitement through her admirers.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Definition of shivers
Verb
  • Tropical Storm Moke is making its closest approach to Hawaii as the state braces for its second tropical threat in less than a week after deadly Hurricane Lala tore through parts of the islands.
    — Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • News of Formosa’s death comes as Southern California braces for another week of extreme heat that weather forecasters have predicted will be the hottest yet in this already very hot year.
    — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of braces
Verb
  • Inside, soy proteins repair and strengthen, copper peptides stimulate keratin production–aka the protein that fortifies and minimizes frizz–and pro-B vitamins amplify fullness.
    — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 25 June 2026
  • The Olive and June product can also be applied daily to bare nails as an intensive strengthening treatment that not only fortifies your claws, but also repairs ridges, discoloration, and pesky peeling along the way.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Definition of fortifies

Phrases Containing nerves

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nerve-racking
nerves
nerviness
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Cite this Entry

“Nerves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerves. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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