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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.

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

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Lader, 40, described "grabbing babies who were being schlepped across the street, and finding parents who were hysterical that their kids weren't here."

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Giving actors the freedom to have fun is what makes Guest’s films so hysterical.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

On the other end of the phone, his wife became hysterical, but Mr Li didn't have time to panic.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

Vera stared, then gave a short rather hysterical laugh.

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie