frantic

fran·tic | \ ˈfran-tik

How to pronounce frantic (audio)

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Definition of frantic

1 : emotionally out of control

2 : marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity made a frantic search for the lost child frantic cries for help

3 archaic : mentally deranged

Other Words from frantic Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about frantic

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Examples of frantic in a Sentence

The girl was frantic with fear. They made a frantic search for the missing child. They were making frantic preparations for the party. a frantic attempt to finish on schedule

Recent Examples on the Web This forced many of them, mostly women, to work at a frantic pace, often forgoing meal breaks or using the toilet, survivors said. — Author: Sheikh Saaliq, Martha Mendoza, Anchorage Daily News, "India denim factory that caught fire, killing at least 7, had single door reached by ladder," 12 Feb. 2020 Some distributors have noticed a less frantic pace of dealmaking in recent years, with many agreements closing after the festival ends. — cleveland, "Sundance 2020 may not match last year’s deal frenzy: Here’s why," 23 Jan. 2020 Things aren't quite so crazy these days, Barfield says, as some of the newness has worn off, and the kitchen staff has gotten used to the frantic pace. — Bob Carlton | Bcarlton@al.com, al, "Meet the Alabama chef who’s making noise in New Orleans," 14 Nov. 2019 The game continued to be played at a frantic pace, with both sides looking to be positive when in possession. — SI.com, "Chelsea 4-4 Ajax: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Champions League Classic Ends All Square," 5 Nov. 2019 Out at the people around you, some of whom live at your same, frantic pace, some of whom would kill for one or two of the things occupying your time and your head space. — Heidi Stevens, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Permission to look old, the power of ‘I don’t know’ and other gifts I’m giving myself this birthday," 23 Oct. 2019 The Sailors started their try at a third straight league title with a key victory in a match that was often played at a frantic pace. — Matt Szabo, Daily Pilot, "Newport Harbor boys’ water polo finishes strong against Huntington Beach," 25 Sep. 2019 The frantic pace continued, with Firmino heading just wide of the far post from a corner in the 44th. — Andrew Dampf, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Napoli beats defending champion Liverpool 2-0," 17 Sep. 2019 Back on the feet, the fighters engage at a pretty frantic pace. — Todd Martin, Los Angeles Times, "UFC 241 live updates: Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic," 17 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frantic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near frantic

Franz Josef Land

Statistics for frantic

Last Updated

15 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Frantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frantic. Accessed 24 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for frantic

frantic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of frantic

: feeling or showing a lot of fear and worry

: having a lot of wild and hurried activity

See the full definition for frantic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

frantic

fran·tic | \ ˈfran-tik

\

Kids Definition of frantic

1 : feeling or showing fear and worry a frantic search

2 : having wild and hurried activity They made a frantic attempt to finish.

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