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 next

as in gall

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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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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

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Recent Examples of nerve

Noun

Linda may stretch, but not infinitely, and as her nerves fray, her every relationship—old and new—becomes increasingly unbearable. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2025 Surprisingly, this huge striking force does not damage the shrimp’s delicate nerves and tissues encased within the shrimp’s armor. —

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025 Having a solid balance of electrolytes helps to regulate fluids and pH levels, support muscle and nerve function, and promote brain health, says Dr. Alex Crane, a primary care doctor with Scripps Hospital in San Diego. —

Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025 One possible issue is Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and even breathing problems in severe cases. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 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