Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her voice broke and she laughed nervously, opting to read from a prepared statement because she knew it would be hard to speak.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

At the women’s feet, a mini Bernedoodle, Zipper, paces nervously, barking at arriving guests.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Markets traded nervously after the U.S. expressed skepticism in response to an offer from Iran that would open the Strait of Hormuz while postponing talks on Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, The Wall Street Journal reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

When Geumseong's phone rang on Christmas Eve 2020, he answered nervously.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Ivy threaded her fingers together, twisting her hands nervously back and forth.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix