NERVE Synonyms: 206 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'nerve' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of nerve are audacity , cheek , chutzpah , effrontery , gall , hardihood , and temerity . While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," nerve , cheek , gall , and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery . // the nerve of that guy // has the cheek to call herself a singer // had the gall to demand proof // the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

Q: Where would 'audacity' be a reasonable alternative to 'nerve'?

The words audacity and nerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence. // an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

Q: When is it sensible to use 'effrontery' instead of 'nerve'?

Although the words effrontery and nerve have much in common, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy. // outraged at his effrontery

Q: When could 'hardihood' be used to replace 'nerve'?

In some situations, the words hardihood and nerve are roughly equivalent. However, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance. // admired for her hardihood

Q: When is 'temerity' a more appropriate choice than 'nerve'?

The synonyms temerity and nerve are sometimes interchangeable, but temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger. // had the temerity to refuse

nerve 1 of 2

noun

ˈnərv

Definition of nerve

as in gall

shameless boldness you've got a lot of nerve showing up here

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in courage

strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger that daring rescue took some nerve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shakes

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nerve

2 of 2

verb

as in to brace

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word nerve different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of nerve are audacity, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, hardihood, and temerity. While all these words mean "conspicuous or flagrant boldness," nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery.

the nerve of that guy

has the cheek to call herself a singer

had the gall to demand proof

the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

Where would audacity be a reasonable alternative to nerve?

The words audacity and nerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

When is it sensible to use effrontery instead of nerve?

Although the words effrontery and nerve have much in common, effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

When could hardihood be used to replace nerve?

In some situations, the words hardihood and nerve are roughly equivalent. However, hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

When is temerity a more appropriate choice than nerve?

The synonyms temerity and nerve are sometimes interchangeable, but temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

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 nerve

Noun

The brain was the source of the electrical charge; the nerves conducted the electrical fluid; and the muscles stored opposite charges. — IEEE Spectrum, 31 Aug. 2026 As the rocket rumbled along the Space Coast, nerves turned into catharsis for JPL scientists and engineers looking on. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 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 The prospect is both exciting and, admittedly, a little nerve-racking. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nerve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve

Noun

Avicii was hospitalized for health issues throughout his lifetime, and increased alcohol consumption to curb his anxiety led to acute pancreatitis and a gall bladder surgery.

— Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
It was followed by oak galls, acorns, aspen buds and mushrooms.

— Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of gall

Noun

Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Through stories and interactive experiences, the Dream Maker will encourage guests to dream big, believe in themselves and lift others up through courage and kindness.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of courage

Noun

Visitors can try the area’s signature raspberry shakes and stay in waterfront rentals, covered wagons, lodges, or campgrounds.

— Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
Grocery aisles are stacked with bars, shakes and powders that promise to fix your diet in one scoop.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of shakes

Verb

In the end, however, Mitić’s intrepid approach is undeniably bracing, and held together at its core by Kostić’s simmering performance.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
As reports of serious head injuries mounted, longtime riders of X2 took to internet forums to question the aging coaster’s increasingly jarring experience and give advice on how riders could brace themselves to avoid a concussion.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of brace

Noun

For Lomon, the decision was less about bravery than responsibility.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Harry’s next major public engagement will take place in London at the annual WellChild Awards, honoring the bravery and resilience of seriously ill children and their caretakers.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of bravery

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

Japan in recent years has fortified its southwestern region with longer range missiles and interceptors.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Defensively, the return of Daley and Wyatt fortifies a line that already had two other starters back in Mario Landino and Tyrique Tucker.

— Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of fortify

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nerts

nerve

nerve center

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“Nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerve. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of nerve

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing nerve

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