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
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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
-
But Funk’s reassurances was enough to quell the agitated crowd.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Our divisions are constantly nudged, magnified, monetized, and weaponized by systems that profit from keeping us emotionally engaged and perpetually agitated.—
Joe Palaggi,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While protesters may be frightened and grieving after last month's bloodbath, they're not mollified.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Inside the bathysphere of the novel, readers make contact with a darkness that our frightened minds might otherwise reject.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The only thing more captivating than Mane’s humorous lyrics is his streetwear look.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The most effective Super Bowl ads this year delivered an emotional or humorous punch while also clearly conveying the importance or utility of their products, according to Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite recovering enough to land a silver medal, Andersson was distraught about the crash.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
But the movie ends when Cathy dies, distraught and brokenhearted over Heathcliff and having starved herself during her pregnancy.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rightly disappointed, Warren wasn’t entirely terrified.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
-
There is a 9-year-old girl sitting terrified and tearful and blaming herself for wanting to see Disney.—
Heidi Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Jesse Jackson, the trailblazing civil rights icon, also had comedic chops.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
-
His account, delivered with his signature comedic flair, carried an unmistakable undercurrent of genuine terror.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Maya is frantic, given that this is her boss’ car.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
13 Feb. 2026
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Despite first gaining notoriety as a frantic comedy YouTuber, the singer has spent most of the last decade as a purveyor of somber alt-R&B.—
Mehan Jayasuriya,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hysterical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hysterical. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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