Nerve-shredding is an adjective commonly used to describe a situation that causes intense anxiety, fear, or stress. There are many synonyms for this term, including nerve-racking, hair-raising, heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, nail-biting, and spine-tingling. These words all convey a sense of extreme tension and discomfort, often describing situations that push people to their emotional limits. Other synonyms for nerve-shredding might include nail-polishing, jaw-dropping, or stomach-churning, depending on the particular context. Ultimately, the choice of synonym will depend on the writer's intended tone and intended effect on the reader, but all of these words share a common theme of intense and overwhelming emotional experience.