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

As a dimwitted product of a vapid culture, Beatty’s protagonist is hardly a figure to like — but Ashby’s amusing day-in-the-life exploration of his manic existence is wildly entertaining. —Christina Newland, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

The Canadian star brought her Miss Possessive tour to New York’s Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, for a manic pop-glitz spectacle. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025

It is largely characterized by manic episodes (periods of elation and hyperactivity), which are then followed by depressive episodes (sadness and depression). —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The manic tapping of stenos, the sounds of shuffling feet, and the rustles of discomfort in the room as the Chuschas rouse to defend one of their beloved leaders all contribute to a surreal, horror movie-like soundscape. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025

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

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