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

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 unnerve But the brazen attack on four people sleeping last Thursday morning unnerved him. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 Their unceremonious removal and the arrival of new unknown personnel in leadership has unnerved the employees who remain while at the same time increasing their workload. Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 1 Feb. 2025 At the same time, a torrent of misinformation on Musk’s platform – plenty of it born from anger over high levels of migration – has unnerved Europe’s governments. Rob Picheta, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 The reports of arson and explicit graffiti have unnerved a nation that prides itself on being a multicultural and tolerant society and where a third of the population was born overseas. Victoria Kim, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unnerve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnerve
Verb
  • Financial markets have crashed, consumers are frightened, and deals are paralyzed.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • When Gordon approached Rudolph to write and direct a music video for Teddy Pendergrass, who had recently been paralyzed in a car crash, Rudolph saw an opportunity.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • All of our drug policies must remain oriented toward discouraging drug use.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Stomach cramps: Not eating enough food can cause stomach pain or cramps, which may also discourage eating.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Miller, of course, is aware that Trump’s intention, always, is to shock, to play the madman, and thus frighten his rivals and alter the terms of the debate.
    David Remnick, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Seeing those kinds of numbers in headlines may have started to frighten U.S. consumers, data shows.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Any armchair sleuths hoping to test their clue-cracking skills will be left similarly frustrated by the fact breadcrumbs are practically non-existent throughout.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2025
  • In battle royale games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, death is an immediate elimination, which can frustrate streamers trying to get exciting footage for their viewers — and there’s nothing more exciting than a win.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Since its debut in 2012, the NBC procedural drama has released 13 seasons featuring its ensemble of dedicated firefighters, paramedics and rescue personnel who work to save the city’s residents from terrifying life-or-death situations.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Charli adds as the woman’s face subtly transforms from patient to terrified.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Mushrooms are a delicious addition to recipes, but preparing them for a dish can be intimidating.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Change can be intimidating, but doing nothing is the riskiest move of all.
    Abhijit Verekar, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Fearful Tesla drivers are asking Tesla to implement new tech features in the vehicle to scare off protesters, Fortune reports.
    Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Education, management and enforcement needs to be re-evaluated so this type of transportation doesn’t continue to scare pedestrians.
    Jonathan Horwitz, Orange County Register, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unnerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnerve. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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