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nerve

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verb

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 passes are great for celebrating arrivals, and sometimes they’re used to calm nerves for departures. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025 Lifestyle modifications: Managing diabetes, reducing alcohol intake, or avoiding smoking can help prevent nerve damage. Anju Goel, Health, 4 Apr. 2025 Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth and regulating nerve function. Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 Apr. 2025 The robot is designed to treat complex patient problems in the field of reconstructive surgery, lymphatic surgery, peripheral nerve repair and trauma. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve
Noun
  • Our study also identified other risks, including low blood pressure, sleep problems, headaches, formation of kidney stones, and gall bladder disease and diseases associated with the bile ducts.
    Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Coordinators have rarely had the gall to try to run it in those spots, but the Lions did and scored.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There comes a moment for every leader when the clearest sign of strength is found not in agreement, compromise, or accommodation but in the clarity and courage to firmly say no.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Adding to the timeliness of this welter of Weill is the composer’s reputation for political courage.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Goldman Sachs worries the stock drawdown is about to get worse, and is bracing for wider credit spreads and a recession.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Dealers and car buyers are biting their nails and bracing for impact as the current auto market becomes more difficult to navigate for all parties.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Most are due to unnecessary escalation, creating disengagement, authoritative behaviors, arrogance and ego.
    Joao Mendes-Roter, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Musk’s casual Friday attire just shows his arrogance and disrespect for American government.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Ancient Rome is cool because of gladiators, Julius Caesar — and yes, the underlying lore of strength, bravery and epic feats of masculinity.
    Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
  • In many of Kim Won Suk’s dramas, there’s an inspiring character—one whose acts of kindness, compassion, bravery and loyalty motivates viewers to do the right thing in their own lives.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But all that has only fortified a character who went from hapless brother-in-law to inarguably the most evolved one of the bunch.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Because the people in charge didn’t pick the right players, and didn’t draft well enough with the leftover picks to fortify the roster.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The goal of the project is to position women as central figures, as many ancient texts and paintings traditionally depict male heroism, while women are often relegated to mere decoration and reproductive roles.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • In recognition of his heroism, Jessen was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor, by Consul General Frédéric Jung on September 18, 2023, ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The squeamish will need to steel themselves for Warfare.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But the rattling experience steeled the Montana native against the tumult caused last week by President Trump’s announcement of steep global tariffs.
    Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerve. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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