What Is Another Way to Say “Nerve-Wracking”?

Looking for synonyms for nerve-wracking? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say nerve-wracking.

  • Stressful
  • Tense
  • Anxiety-inducing
  • Frightening
  • Alarming
  • Disturbing
  • Daunting
  • Intimidating
  • Harrowing
  • Terrifying
  • Agonizing
  • Troubling
  • Petrifying
  • Hair-raising
  • Spine-chilling

Want to learn how to say nerve-wracking professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Stressful

Appropriate Use: Suitable for situations causing a lot of anxiety or worry.
Example: Meeting the tight deadlines for the project was a stressful experience for the team.

2. Tense

Appropriate Use: Ideal for moments filled with nervousness or strain.
Example: The atmosphere in the office was tense as the team awaited the merger announcement.

3. Anxiety-inducing

Appropriate Use: Used for situations that provoke feelings of anxiety or nervousness.
Example: Presenting to a large audience can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many.

4. Frightening

Appropriate Use: Appropriate for something causing fear or alarm.
Example: The sudden drop in the stock market was a frightening moment for investors.

5. Alarming

Appropriate Use: Suitable for situations causing worry or fear.
Example: The quarterly financial report was alarming, showing a significant loss.

6. Disturbing

Appropriate Use: Ideal for events or situations causing distress or worry.
Example: It’s disturbing to see the impact of the new regulations on small businesses.

7. Daunting

Appropriate Use: Used for situations that are intimidating or overwhelming.
Example: Taking on the leadership role in such a large company is a daunting task.

8. Intimidating

Appropriate Use: Appropriate for something that is frightening, especially in a way that makes a person feel less confident.
Example: Facing the panel of experts during the audit was quite intimidating.

9. Harrowing

Appropriate Use: Suitable for extremely distressing or traumatic situations.
Example: The harrowing experience of the product recall taught us valuable lessons.

10. Terrifying

Appropriate Use: Ideal for situations causing extreme fear.
Example: The cybersecurity breach was a terrifying ordeal for the company.

11. Agonizing

Appropriate Use: Used for describing experiences that involve extreme mental or physical pain.
Example: The decision to lay off employees was an agonizing one for the management.

12. Troubling

Appropriate Use: Appropriate for situations causing concern or distress.
Example: The decline in employee morale is troubling for the HR department.

13. Petrifying

Appropriate Use: Suitable for something so frightening that it immobilizes someone.
Example: The thought of public speaking can be petrifying for some people.

14. Hair-raising

Appropriate Use: Ideal for situations that are extremely frightening or alarming.
Example: The near-miss accident at the factory was a hair-raising incident.

15. Spine-chilling

Appropriate Use: Used for describing something that causes a great deal of fear or horror.
Example: The risks involved in the upcoming expedition are quite spine-chilling.

Linda Brown