hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 

1

: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity

broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

2

: intricately or elaborately designed or detailed

hyperactive noun

Synonyms

• agitated
• excited
• feverish
• frenzied
• heated
• hectic
• overactive
• overwrought

Examples of hyperactive in a Sentence

the skyrocketing price of oil resulted in a wildly fluctuating, hyperactive stock market

hyperactive children who are in dire need of a guardian with a firm hand

Recent Examples on the Web

Although it has long been classified as a mental-health disorder, it is often seen as a stage that can be outgrown; eventually, the hyperactive child learns to sit still. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025

The proggy, hyperactive aesthetic of Hiromi’s most recent music, via her Sonicwonder band — trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, bassist Hadrien Feraud, and drummer Gene Coye, an Evanston native — takes cues from video game scores. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025

The condition is also being recognized more in adults, but just exhibiting hyperactive or impulsive behavior could mean many things. —Christina Caron, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

His family, speaking in court, described him as a hyperactive kid who was placed in foster homes twice. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hyperactive

• bioactive
• interactive
• nonreactive
• overactive
• psychoactive
• putrefactive
• retroactive
• unattractive
• unreactive
• vasoactive
• active
• tractive

Kids Definition

hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 

: very active especially to an abnormal amount

hyperactivity

-ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē

noun

Medical Definition

hyperactive

1 of 2 adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pə-ˈrak-tiv 

: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity

Scientists suspect in certain genetically susceptible people, the immune cells remain hyperactive long after the infectious agent has been cleared from the body.

—Kathy Fackelmann, Science News

A growing number of parents suspect that the powerful stimulant Ritalin—long prescribed for its paradoxically tranquilizing effect on hyperactive children—has become a convenience for teachers seeking quiet classrooms …

—David Gates. Newsweek

broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

hyperactive

2 of 2 noun

: an individual who is hyperactive