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 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 Allowing a sick country with demented leadership have a nuclear weapon, that's a war crime. — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 7 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
  • The Drug Enforcement Administration says kratom produces stimulant effects in low doses and sedative effects in high doses, and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence.
    — Jake Rosenwasser, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • Those diagnoses included schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress syndrome, major depressive disorder, and bipolar or related disorders.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of psychotic
Adjective
  • What saves Hyperdrive is the dry humour and the slightly insane set and character design.
    — William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026
  • Every single story about his time in Hollywood was about a major movie, a major director, and lots of drugs and insane scandal.
    — William Earl, Variety, 14 July 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • Over the last few years, there are these sounds that have appeared in certain towns that have driven people mad, that’s actually happening.
    — Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 9 July 2026
  • The scene played out across the soccer-mad nation as Egypt faced the defending World Cup champion in the round-of-16 fixture in Atlanta.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Definition of mad
Adjective
  • Erling Haaland, Norway’s large, maniacal striker, has several exceedingly Norwegian traits.
    — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • The president as a maniacal urban planner is a white-knuckle ride, with Washington — and Washingtonians — just holding on for dear life.
    — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
Definition of maniacal
Adjective
  • One way to begin is with the mental and physical reset provided by the Crossings Ceremony, the most recent addition to Miraval Austin’s Life in Balance Spa offerings.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • Together these results helped establish the concept of cognitive reserve, the idea that lifelong mental activity may protect thinking and memory even when disease is present in the brain.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Definition of mental

Browse Nearby Words

demeans
demented
dementedness
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Cite this Entry

“Demented.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demented. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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