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Definitions

neurotic

[noo-rot-ik, nyoo-] / nʊˈrɒt ɪk, nyʊ- /
ADJECTIVE
mentally maladjusted
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compulsive distraught disturbed manic obsessive
STRONG
aberrant deviant hysteric psychoneurotic upset
WEAK
abnormal anxious basket case bundle of nerves choked clutched disordered disoriented erratic hung up inhibited nervous nervous wreck overwrought unhealthy unstable uptight wired
Antonyms
STRONG
normal
WEAK
adjusted balanced sane stable

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.

Germany is uniquely neurotic about debt and about unsound money.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

She was one of many authors he wrangled—alcoholic William Faulkner, neurotic Dr. Seuss, industrious James Michener, imperious Philip Roth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

And while Jerry’s perfectionism had a toll on their creative process, it also fueled it, making way for more neurotic characters that Anne could play straight against.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2025

Fans might argue they should be a bit more neurotic; screenplay structuralists will grumble they have no narrative arc.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025

It’s Saturday and the time has come to leave my free lodgings and neurotic avian roommate.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich