NERVED Synonyms: 179 Similar and Opposite Words

nerved 1 of 2

adjective

ˈnərvd

Definition of nerved

as in adventurous

inclined or willing to take risks a nerved and fearless driver of race cars

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nerved

2 of 2

verb

past tense of nerve

as in braced

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

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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 nerved

Adjective

But what places this film on this list is Byrne’s raw-nerved, aching, anxiously taut performance. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025 The latest target is 402 km/h (250 mph), a mind-bending pace on two wheels that requires a special, steely nerved rider. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Mar. 2023 Jessica John gives one of the best performances of her career as the raw-nerved and boldly confrontational Barbara, whose despair leads to her confuse Johnny with Donny after a couple gallon-size jugs of wine. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2022 The result is a work of rare, raw-nerved insight into group therapy and individual trauma, as well as a moving vision of male friendship and strength in the face of evil. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2021 Most of the emotion in the series veers toward the overblown or maudlin, though Winona Ryder (God bless ’er), who plays Will’s jangly nerved mother, Joyce, has at last decided to fully apply her once formidable talent to the role. — Hank Stuever, Washington Post, 3 July 2019 Putin, a former KGB agent, has ruled Russia as prime minister or president for more than 18 years, and in that time has crafted an image as a steely nerved leader and the man best qualified to rebuild his country after the end of the Soviet Union. — Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 7 May 2018 Cynthia Gerber is just right as the fragile-nerved stage manager Poppy. — Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, 15 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerved

Adjective

The island’s allure is often centered around exhilaration—surfing on its west coast and exploring its fathomless forests—yet a calmer current of energy runs alongside this adventurous spirit.

— Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
SUVs offered a more adventurous image, available all-wheel drive, greater towing capability in many cases and seemingly endless choices.

— Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of adventurous

Verb

Republicans have braced for months for Democrats to retake the House.

— Theodoric Meyer, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel was moving into Baja California as Southern California braced for rain and potential coastal flooding on Sunday.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of braced

Adjective

Prioritizing oneself is something Ariana Grande has been brave about as well, with Grande perhaps the poster child for the biggest mental health story of the year.

— Rob LeDonne, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2026
There were a lot of brave guys who stayed to fight there — and people at home don't know what happened.

— Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of brave

Verb

The group also fortified their compound and trained with guns in case the FBI or other law enforcement visited the property, according to the decision.

— Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026
For children who have dairy allergies or are lactose intolerant, finding non-dairy versions of chocolate milk—such as chocolate almond milk—that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D can be a good replacement for nutrition.

— Sarah Schlichter, Parents, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of fortified

Adjective

Sadly, sports reformers across the country have abandoned the hard work of courageous whistleblowers, such as Bensel-Meyers, and now sing the tune of college athlete compensation.

— Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Being gay was still uncharted territory and their trust, at a time when visibility was dangerous, was courageous.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of courageous

Adjective

At the center of it all is the daring, epic raid on a bank vault deep beneath the streets of Zurich.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
But what begins as a bold and daring attempt to broach progressive issues in a notoriously conservative society ultimately loses its nerve, acquiescing to a number of eyebrow-raising narrative compromises.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of daring

Adjective

In this week's episode of 'Friday Night Live,' @latsondheimer + @RandyRosenbloom talk to Paraclete quarterback Shawn Sanders about his versatility, his fearless playing style and the Spirits’ recent success.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Behind the iconic temples, fearless warriors, and legendary philosophers are countless stories that rarely make it into history books.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fearless

Adjective

Although generally hardy, the plant is susceptible to certain diseases, including anthracnose and bacterial soft rot, as well as pests such as spider mites, caterpillars, and whiteflies.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Cold-hardy brassicas like kale only need to be covered when temperatures fall to 26 to 28°F, and light frosts potentially make these veggies taste better and sweeter.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2026