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

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of nerve

Noun

Even before taking office, Trump has rattled nerves in Ukraine and among U.S. allies over the prospect of withholding crucial support. —

Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 This is a particularly large number for this nerve listening method called the multipatch technique. —

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024 These compounds could be game-changers for people suffering from arthritis, nerve pain, and other chronic conditions. —

Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024 Dancing also promotes the release of endorphins, chemicals that help promote feel-good neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerves to communicate) and reduce unpleasant emotions.1 8. —

Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nerve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nerve

Noun

Chris Rock got a hand (and a gall bladder) from one of his old Saturday Night Live castmates this week.

Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 14 Dec. 2024
And Big Government had the gall to charge me $35 to get in?

Peter Rubin, Longreads, 19 Sep. 2024