Synonyms for

Nervously

Verb / ˈnɜ:vʌsli: / Another word for nervously — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

In a nervous or uneasy manner.

Synonyms & similar words

anxiously apprehensively uneasily worriedly tensely jitterily agitatedly restlessly fretfully edgily skittishly uncomfortably trepidatiously fearfully timidly panickily uptightly shakily hesitantly uncertainly

Synonyms by register

Formal

apprehensively anxiously trepidatiously disquietedly

Informal

jumpily fidgety shakily on edge

Literary

tremulously unquietly disquietedly

Antonyms

calmly confidently assuredly boldly steadily composedly unconcernedly

Common collocations

  • speak nervously
  • act nervously
  • look nervously
  • wait nervously
  • fidget nervously
  • bite nails nervously
  • sweat nervously

Word family

noun nervousness
verb nerve
adjective nervous

Usage note

Often used to describe actions or speech that betray inner anxiety or fear. Can sometimes be used interchangeably with 'anxiously' but 'nervously' often implies a more physical manifestation of unease.

Example sentences

  1. He nervously tapped his foot on the ground.
  2. She nervously chewed on her pen during the test.
  3. The cat nervously approached the new visitor.
  4. He nervously checked his phone for any updates.
  5. She nervously laughed at his joke.

Quotes

  • "I'm always nervous, no matter what size the show is. But I get nervous because I want to do the best I can." - Beyonce
  • "I like to get nervous and excited and have that feeling that you get in your stomach when you're nervous." - Dakota Johnson
  • "I'm very nervous about the future of America. I think it's precarious." - Patti Smith

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