BASKET CASE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

basket case

noun

Definition of basket case

as in nervous breakdown

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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.

Recent Examples of basket case Though the microbus appeared unscathed, the vehicle in reality was a basket case and in need of more than 900 replacement parts, Volkswagen of America said in a statement on its restoration. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 24 Nov. 2025 America has become a fiscal basket case, and neither party is offering any kind of serious solution for a disaster that is already contributing to brutal inflation and may one day crush the value of the dollar. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2025 His main accomplishment was to transform the country by giving us Joe Biden who then transformed the country into a basket case. — Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 Over the course of their day together, Claire the princess (Ringwald), Andrew the jock (Estevez), Brian the brain (Hall), Allison the basket case (Sheedy) and John the criminal (Nelson) begin to drop their stereotypical public facades and reveal their private struggles. — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for basket case

Recent Examples of Synonyms for basket case

Noun

After suffering a nervous breakdown and being taken care of by Marlon Brando’s daughter Cheyenne in Tahiti, Jones eventually returned to his life as a mogul of music, television and magazines.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026
Some people in Caracas and surrounding areas suffered nervous breakdowns following the events of Wednesday afternoon, compounded by warnings that their homes might collapse.

— Gustavo Ocando Alex, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Definition of nervous breakdown

Noun

Broglio also hopes that athletes learn to look for symptoms such as anxiety, depression and cognitive issues, because many are very treatable.

— Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Researchers and psychologists agree that this feeling can fuel anxiety, dissatisfaction, and a constant need to stay connected, for fear of missing an opportunity, an event, or an experience.

— Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026

Definition of anxiety

Noun

Beyond California, scientists are raising alarms over the planet’s warming oceans, which — coupled with a strong El Niño — could increase temperatures for land dwellers in the coming weeks.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
My parents tell stories about me sleeping through loud construction, alarms, and heavy knocks on my bedroom door.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026

Definition of alarm

Noun

Portlandia aired for eight seasons and 77 episodes on IFC, concluding its run in 2018; check out Rolling Stone’s 20 favorite sketches from Portlandia, as well as Brownstein’s breakdown of the series’ most memorable characters.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2026
Here’s a breakdown of each character’s messy back story and the show’s surprisingly happy ending.

— Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of breakdown

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basket

basket case

basket cases

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“Basket case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/basket%20case. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of basket case

noun

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