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 There’s also the issue of whether a succession battle will unnerve investors. —

Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Sep. 2024 But Mulaney’s isn’t the only show that could unnerve the usual late-night lineup. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 June 2024 It was released the following year and has been unnerving audiences ever since. —

Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Sep. 2024 Your tenacity and insight will unnerve anyone trying to outmaneuver you or get in your way. —

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unnerve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerve

Verb

However, the database also safeguards against disruptions by providing a fully functional backup system in the event that a cyberattack paralyzes a hospital's primary billing database—which was not among our original goals when developing the tool.

Chandler Barron, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
It was also seen as a concession by Hezbollah and, some analysts said, an acknowledgment that the group was no longer in a position to paralyze the state.

Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025