demented

adjective

di-ˈmen-təd How to pronounce demented (audio)
Definition of dementednext
as in psychotic
unable to think in a clear or sensible way a thoughtful movie about a demented man trying to survive on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 demented And his demented majesty has no intention of going gentle into that good night. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 In our times, whether a demented president would order an unwarranted nuclear attack is just one ominous concern. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026 Cage fans already knew the actor could play twisted roles well, but his demented performance as the Satan-worshipping killer still disturbed and delighted audiences. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026 Along with all her obligations, Tonina is taking care of her demented and bedridden mother. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for demented
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demented
  1. psychotic
  2. insane
  3. mad
  4. maniacal
  5. mental
Adjective
  • Psychiatric disorders are generally divided into mood disorders and psychotic disorders, Osborne said; postpartum psychosis is a mood disorder, in which mood symptoms accompany psychotic symptoms.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But to make some generalization that all career women are psychotic because Glenn Close happened to be psychotic at the end of that movie is just silly.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of psychotic
Adjective
  • And their friendship, a folie à deux spiral of insane ideas powered by ungodly quantities of pot, becomes akin to a superpower.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • These mega facilities are popping up everywhere which means lots of people are spending insane money instead of pulling out the hose and bucket.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • There was also a stream of characters who visited the island, from a pop group to a movie producer, a mad scientist, and Russian cosmonauts.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026
  • There are a few pages spent on Deflategate (that made Brady mad), only a few paragraphs devoted to Aaron Hernandez, none on Spygate.
    — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of mad
Adjective
  • Especially after a clunker of a season in 2025, superstar receiver Justin Jefferson won’t settle for anything other than maniacal attention to detail on and off the field.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 28 July 2026
  • The odd thing about this choice is that, although the DSA’s platform is indeed chock-full of maniacal proposals, on this particular idea, the maniacs have a point.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
Definition of maniacal
Adjective
  • Wondermind, which was co-founded by Gomez; her mother, Mandy Teefey; and Daniella Pierson in November 2021, touts mental fitness practices and tools.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But as the physical scars began to heal and fade, the mental ones remained fresh.
    — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of mental

Browse Nearby Words

demeans
demented
dementedness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demented. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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