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

Jennifer Scibetta gives an authentic, understated performance as Peg, and her relaxed demeanor contrasts well with Lester Isariuz’s manic, always-in-motion performance as Ryan. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026

The risks to society—from manic swings in popular sentiment and rejection of innovation—are real. —Richard Edelman, Time, 18 Jan. 2026

The peak of a psychedelic experience can therefore share similarities with psychosis; and, for people with undiagnosed underlying conditions, this can increase the severity of manic and psychotic symptoms, as the findings of a recent paper concluded. —Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2026

My manic episodes are, of course, a manifestation of my own particular psychopathy. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 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

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