manic

adjective

man·​ic ˈma-nik 

: affected with, relating to, characterized by, or resulting from mania

had a manic personality

his manic work pace

manic noun

manically

ˈma-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of manic in a Sentence

a manic sense of humor

Recent Examples on the Web

Participants in the circadian group also reported more manic-like experiences. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Even at the album’s more sedate tempos, gyrofield still delivers the manic intensity that marks their best work, building luscious tension with an arsenal of top-shelf production tricks. — Lisle Younger, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026

Hundreds of thousands of men and women have reported uncanny or manic experiences with their bots. — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Annie Potts’ Iona is the film’s other fashion icon, whose looks are as charmingly manic as her personality. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing manic

• manic depression
• manic-depressive
• manic-depressive illness
• manic episode

Rhymes for manic

• bannock
• laennec
• panic
• stannic
• tannic
• aldermanic
• inorganic
• magellanic
• messianic
• oceanic
• pozzolanic
• talismanic

Medical Definition

manic

1 of 2 adjective

man·​ic ˈman-ik 

: affected with, relating to, or resembling mania

manically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

manic

2 of 2 noun

: an individual affected with mania