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

Meanwhile, Paula is having a manic pixie nightmare of a day. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 24 June 2026

Did Lewis have manic symptoms as well to qualify for bipolar disorder? — Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 24 June 2026

But Calloway’s performance—her manic and sunny disposition, her inability to read the room, her insistence on over-enunciating the T’s in words like Latin and written—was something to behold. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 23 June 2026

The two South American sides served up a great game in front of a manic crowd which, as well as locals, contained thousands of Argentinians who had been brought over on boats just for the occasion. — Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 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