Definitions

hysterical

[hi-ster-i-kuhl] / hɪˈstɛr ɪ kəl /

ADJECTIVE

very upset, excited

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitated crazy distraught emotional frantic frenzied furious impassioned mad nervous neurotic overwrought passionate uncontrollable vehement violent

WEAK

berserk beside oneself blazing carried away convulsive crazed delirious distracted fiery fuming impetuous in a fit incensed irrepressible maddened panic-stricken possessed rabid raging rampant raving seething spasmodic tempestuous turbulent uncontrolled unnerved unrestrained uproarious wild worked-up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic balanced calm collected controlled cool happy indifferent mild moderate peaceful pleased reasonable sane unenthusiastic unexcited unpassionate

WEAK

serene

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.

And when Pete and his cohorts arrive, they’re too broadly quirky to be either menacing or hysterical, although Olyphant’s long-suffering leader has some nice moments slowly processing how dumb Todd and Allegra are.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

During the podcast interview, Moreno-Gama bristled at stereotypes of hysterical “AI doomers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Weeks before Cynthia’s death, after Ortiz broke things off with Hatley, she allegedly became hysterical.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Parents who say they warned childcare bosses about a predatory nursery worker months before he was caught have told the BBC they felt ignored and were made to feel "hysterical".

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

A hysterical laugh bubbled into Ivy’s throat, but she forced it down.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake

Vocabulary lists containing hysterical

Wonder

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The Diary of Anne Frank

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The House on Mango Street

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