1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
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2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Recent Examples of nervy
Ordering the material this way gives the film the nervy edge of a thriller and makes Moore’s account feel like a slippery assemblage of facts.
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Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Despite the triumphant ending, Game 6 was yet another nervy contest for the Dodgers — who jumped to a quick 6-1 lead, flirted with disaster on several occasions, then finally pulled away down the stretch.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
This genuinely nervy jukebox musical (?) (!), very nearly a rebuke of the 2019 billion-dollar smash starring Joaquin Phoenix, feels like its own thing, considerably less derivative and more fully realized than the first one.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2024
At every turn, Schimberg unleashes a nervy fusillade of ideas: about the unequal distribution of physical beauty, the social privilege that such beauty commands, the challenge of trying to probe these inequities through art.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nervy 
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Despite the triumphant ending, Game 6 was yet another nervy contest for the Dodgers — who jumped to a quick 6-1 lead, flirted with disaster on several occasions, then finally pulled away down the stretch.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024
This genuinely nervy jukebox musical (?) (!), very nearly a rebuke of the 2019 billion-dollar smash starring Joaquin Phoenix, feels like its own thing, considerably less derivative and more fully realized than the first one.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2024
At every turn, Schimberg unleashes a nervy fusillade of ideas: about the unequal distribution of physical beauty, the social privilege that such beauty commands, the challenge of trying to probe these inequities through art.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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Only 38% of parents consider becoming a content creator to be a wise career choice.Jack Kelly, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
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This approach would be wiser than pushing for a package of immediate and flashy short-term concessions that would damage alliances without realigning them meaningfully.Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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An inquisitive, adventurous spirit appears to be the special sauce as long as it’s channeled and catalyzed in a healthy way.Wes Moss, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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Then my friend Kevin and I did an adventurous run/hike up Pyramid Buttes this September, and there was so much goddamn deadfall.Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Tyler Hines did such an amazing job of being a mentor this season, and a supporter for all of us nervous guys in the middle of a competition.Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
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Read more Auto giants are getting nervous about the prospect of mega fines as EV demand falters ‘Europe’s Detroit’ built a thriving car industry.Sam Meredith, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Steven Galanis, co-founder and CEO, turned the idea of personalized celebrity messages into a platform, where fans can request anything from birthday wishes to a cheeky roast.Harry Booth, TIME, 8 Dec. 2024
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The sweeping biopic charts the rise of the pop star, from his days as a cheeky 8-year-old in a working-class U.K. town to his battles with the usual pitfalls of fame and money.Ramin Zahed, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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More recently, on October 26, 2024, Israel executed its most daring suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses since Mole Cricket 19, carried out over a greater distance and against more targets than the sole target of Operation Opera.Paul Iddon, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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Similar to how Pugh swiped liner above and across her upper eyelid for a bold and otherworldly look, this is your sign to be daring and experimental with your makeup.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Still, some residents are worried about the drones.Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 14 Dec. 2024
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Lawmakers in New Jersey and beyond grew worried Friday about the now-regular spotting of drones over the state, with officials calling for answers and more transparency from federal agencies.The Hill, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Established in 1755, Gautier produces Cognacs known for their bold and fruity flavors.Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
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Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s red carpet looks are often bold and colorful or conceptually fantastical, taking up space and demanding attention.Jack Smart, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Your series takes a fearless approach to addressing taboo topics like ageism, consumerism and political correctness.Caroline Tell, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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Foremost among these campaigners was Josephine Butler, a fearless advocate for women’s rights who lived in the British port city of Liverpool in the mid-nineteenth century.Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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