nerves 1 of 2

noun

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

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nerves

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of nerve
as in braces
to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally needs to nerve himself for the big game tomorrow

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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 nerves
Noun
The brain coordinates muscles and nerves while also processing information about balance, vision and the environment around us. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 And the nerves from the very beginning led to this very disciplined approach to trying to fully take over the character and take ownership over his life. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 Potassium is an essential nutrient that helps nerves, muscles, and the heart function properly. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 By nights three and four, any remaining nerves had burned off. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026 Susan Sherren, founder of Couture Trips, said flight attendants and gate agents are just fellow humans with frayed nerves. — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 According to the company website, the glove is designed to disrupt sensory nerves without puncturing or burning the skin. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 Severe back pain combined with bladder dysfunction can signal compression of the nerves at the base of the spinal cord. — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Copper is an antioxidant that helps to form collagen, nerves, and blood cells. — Christina Manian, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerves
  1. shivers
  2. braces
  3. fortifies
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
  • Heavy rainfall could trigger life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, while high surf and storm surge threaten east- and south-facing shorelines as Hawaii braces for Lala's landfall.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Advocates say the last-minute intervention shows what public pressure can achieve, even as the family braces for a pivotal immigration hearing and grapples with trauma from her detention.
    — Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of braces
Verb
  • Inside, soy proteins repair and strengthen, copper peptides stimulate keratin production–aka the protein that fortifies and minimizes frizz–and pro-B vitamins amplify fullness.
    — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 25 June 2026
  • The Olive and June product can also be applied daily to bare nails as an intensive strengthening treatment that not only fortifies your claws, but also repairs ridges, discoloration, and pesky peeling along the way.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 June 2026
Definition of fortifies

Phrases Containing nerves

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nerve-racking
nerves
nerviness
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Cite this Entry

“Nerves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nerves. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nerves

Nglish: Translation of nerves for Spanish Speakers

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