variants
also hysteric
1
as in funny
causing or intended to cause laughter
some of the things little kids come out with are hysterical
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in agitated
feeling overwhelming fear or worry
the police officer assured the mother that there was no need to get hysterical, for most missing children are found safe and sound
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in frightened
filled with fear or dread
upon hearing the announcement that a shark had been sighted, hysterical beachgoers raced out of the water
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hysterical
The tone is never hysterical, either.
—
Lela London, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Though, from a distance, our hysterical laughter could be interpreted as such.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 29 Jan. 2026
Every paradigm-shifting invention is met with a hysterical reaction.
—Charlie Dektar, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026
The biggest news organization in Minnesota is trying to serve as the sober counterweight to hysterical social media posts, swarming videos, political conflict, and public statements that contradict observable facts.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hysterical
Lela London, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Though, from a distance, our hysterical laughter could be interpreted as such.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 29 Jan. 2026
Every paradigm-shifting invention is met with a hysterical reaction.
—Charlie Dektar, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026
The biggest news organization in Minnesota is trying to serve as the sober counterweight to hysterical social media posts, swarming videos, political conflict, and public statements that contradict observable facts.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hysterical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hysterical
Adjective
-
From the other side of the window the guard is giving me funny kine looks.—
Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
-
But history, which has a funny way of repeating itself, suggests otherwise.—
Stephen Mihm,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
According to court documents, Shadbar became agitated and threatened to kill the family, using a racist slur in his threats, presumably directed at Robertson’s sons who are Black.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
-
To their credit, some gun-rights supporters did get agitated over this kerfuffle.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And so if this gets replicated, if there’s a spreading of feelings of fear, the most vulnerable people will be frightened to turn out.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Both release a strong spray, or musk, when frightened.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Such are the concerns of 13-year-old Chris (Izaac Wang) in this humorous yet heartfelt coming-of-age story based loosely on writer-director Sean Wang's own growing up.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Feb. 2026
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The event attracted a few dozen humorous counterprotesters.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Three days later, her distraught children pleaded for the 84-year-old’s safe return, confirming that law enforcement believe Nancy was abducted against her will and could be alive.—
Dan Reilly,
Vulture,
6 Feb. 2026
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But the show’s standout is Sophia Lillis, whose distraught, morally inflamed Riley is the play’s most original figure.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In one of those realities (the actual one most of us are living in), a growing number of people across the political spectrum are angered, terrified and disgusted by actions being taken in their names by people and agencies which seem to have little or no accountability.—
Brenda Looper,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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The bodycam video was an eye-opening look at the frightening aftermath of the Brown campus shooting when police were searching room-by-room for the suspect, trying to comfort and care for terrified students, and trying to coordinate with campus police to get past locked doors.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Robbie, who proved her deadpan comedic acting chops in Barbie, is a joy as the flighty, vain, fast-talking Cathy, totally lacking in self-awareness.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
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The comedic actress and two-time Emmy winner died at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness, her reps at CAA confirmed.—
Lexy Perez,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But when the music stops, investors will scramble for assets in a frantic game of musical chairs.—
Mikael Johnsson,
Fortune,
6 Feb. 2026
-
During the frantic final minutes of the game, Lemont counted on Mikroulis for senior leadership.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hysterical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hysterical. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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