manic

adjective

man·​ic ˈma-nik How to pronounce manic (audio)
: affected with, relating to, characterized by, or resulting from mania
had a manic personality
his manic work pace
manic noun
manically adverb

Examples of manic in a Sentence

a manic sense of humor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite revelations of the scandal, the same manic worrying by some parents over how to get their kids into certain schools continues. Michael Loria, USA Today, 16 July 2025 This was a manic Monday as Wimbledon entered a new Millennium. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The energy is distressingly low-key for a rap battle, and the manic editing highlights far more flaws than successes. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 12 May 2025 The character is caught between a manic id fueled equally by a painful breakup and the lust of new love, and the debilitating superego induced by the same life events. Anna Peele, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for manic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek manikós "mad, crazy," from manía "madness, frenzy, mania" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manic was circa 1824

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manic. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

manic

1 of 2 adjective
man·​ic ˈman-ik How to pronounce manic (audio)
: affected with, relating to, or resembling mania
manically adverb

manic

2 of 2 noun
: an individual affected with mania

More from Merriam-Webster on manic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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