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 What follows is a deliciously demented cat-and-mouse game between Sky and Dennis. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 June 2026 The Goalkeeper — nameless, just relentlessly unidentifiable even after at least 30 increasingly demented Google searches and hours on Reddit — wears a yellow Adidas jersey with black detailing. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 9 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for demented
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demented
  1. psychotic
  2. insane
  3. mad
  4. maniacal
  5. mental
Adjective
  • It may also be used to treat certain other psychotic conditions, such as psychosis arising in Parkinson disease.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026
  • At trial, a neurological expert testified that Linton had a seizure in the lead up to the collision, and a psychiatrist said Linton displayed psychotic symptoms weeks after the crash that were consistent with the aftermath of a seizure.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of psychotic
Adjective
  • First and foremost, as a homeowner myself the property taxes are insane and continue to go up.
    — Stephen Korka, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • That may be the name of her next album, but Venus’ insane popularity also speaks to the way Metropia is moving forward, constantly looking for the next shiny thing.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • The ball popped out of his glove and fell in front of him, creating a bit of a mad scramble for Ramírez.
    — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Some reports have suggested that Harry knew the contents of the memoir before it was published, which reportedly adds to William’s reasons to be mad at his brother.
    — StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of mad
Adjective
  • Rihanna’s here, maniacal crowds are lining up outside shows to screech and wave at their favorite stars and days of runway events big and small lie ahead.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
  • These machines—the maniacal Maverick R, with its praying mantis-like front suspension, and the hard-working Pioneer—have little else in common.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of maniacal
Adjective
  • Women naturally store less creatine than men, and during perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen can take a toll on both muscle health and mental clarity.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Steeped in therapy culture and financial literacy content, young Americans are fluent in boundary-setting and open to frank conversations about money and mental load.
    — Grace Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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