Synonyms of high-strung
: having an extremely nervous or sensitive temperament

Examples of high-strung in a Sentence

a dog that tends to be high-strung is not the best pet for young children
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the real shock here is Wilde, who not only knows how to keep viewers on the back foot as a filmmaker but slides into a neurotic register and off-kilter comic timing for her high-strung hostess that fit her like rubber glove. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026 Angela, a high-strung perfectionist, spends the day meticulously preparing dinner and decorating the apartment for the impromptu gathering. Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 The film follows Summer (McGraw), a high-strung teenager whose birthday getaway takes an unexpected turn when her free-spirited mom's new boyfriend joins the trip, who also happens to be her vice principal. Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 Carlton Preppy, high-strung, ambitious, sweater vest-wearing, Tom Jones-loving cousin to the Fresh Prince. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 9 June 2026 Who's ever going to complain about spending more time with high-strung Monica, nerdy Ross, emotional Rachel, spacey Phoebe, handsome Joey, or quip-ready Chandler? Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026 Played with blistering sarcasm by Emily Blunt, the high-strung Runway magazine assistant had many of the most crackling one-liners in the original 2006 film. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 In episode three, that perfect fit is Benito Skinner, who plays a high-strung costume designer named Carter who wears Valerie down with a visual and spiritual assault on caftans on the set of her new sitcom. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2026 The same is true of Sonny and Sal, his high-strung henchman. Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of high-strung was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“High-strung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high-strung. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

high-strung

adjective
-ˈstreŋ
: very nervous or sensitive
a dog too high-strung for children

Medical Definition

high-strung

adjective
: having an extremely nervous or sensitive temperament

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