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.

Scott Pelley’s hysterical self-indulgence illustrates what’s gone wrong with the American news media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

“It’s hysterical because everybody’s afraid not to wear them,” one White House aide told the Journal.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

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

Varley was "hysterical" and blaming himself for what had happened, but this was all a "cover-up" act, Wright said.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

At last the pent-up tension exploded: Cocky burst into spasms of high hysterical laughter.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Vocabulary lists containing hysterical

Wonder

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