UNNERVE Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'unnerve' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unnerve are emasculate , enervate , and unman . While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act. // unnerved by the near collision

Q: When can 'emasculate' be used instead of 'unnerve'?

In some situations, the words emasculate and unnerve are roughly equivalent. However, emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential. // an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

Q: Where would 'enervate' be a reasonable alternative to 'unnerve'?

The words enervate and unnerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort. // a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

Q: When is 'unman' a more appropriate choice than 'unnerve'?

The synonyms unman and unnerve are sometimes interchangeable, but unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit. // a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

unnerve

verb

ˌən-ˈnərv

Definition of unnerve next

as in to paralyze

to deprive of courage or confidence the riding accident so unnerved me that for a while I was afraid to get back on a horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discourage

to lessen the courage or confidence of a figure skater can't afford to be unnerved by an occasional slipup

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unnerve differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unnerve are emasculate, enervate, and unman. While all these words mean "to deprive of strength or vigor and the capacity for effective action," unnerve implies marked often temporary loss of courage, self-control, or power to act.

unnerved by the near collision

When can emasculate be used instead of unnerve?

In some situations, the words emasculate and unnerve are roughly equivalent. However, emasculate stresses a depriving of characteristic force by removing something essential.

an amendment that emasculates existing safeguards

Where would enervate be a reasonable alternative to unnerve?

The words enervate and unnerve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enervate suggests a gradual physical or moral weakening (as through luxury or indolence) until one is too feeble to make an effort.

a nation's youth enervated by affluence and leisure

When is unman a more appropriate choice than unnerve?

The synonyms unman and unnerve are sometimes interchangeable, but unman implies a loss of manly vigor, fortitude, or spirit.

a soldier unmanned by the terrors of battle

Examples 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 unnerve Remarkably, Gretchen is the only one who seems to be unnerved by any of this. —

Hannah Strong, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2024 The Guardian reported the NYPD’s decision to participate in the competition alongside the Kadyrov militia is unnerving human rights advocates. —

Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2024 Still, the idea of attending a protest unnerved her. —

Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024 There’s also the issue of whether a succession battle will unnerve investors. —

Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unnerve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerve

Verb

Its venom, potent enough to kill an elephant, is a cocktail of neurotoxins that can paralyze muscles and shut down vital systems in a matter of hours.

— Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Travel was paralyzed along the Interstate 10 corridor with portions already receiving widespread snowfall totals of 3 to 6 inches.

— Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025