PSYCHOTIC Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

psychotic

adjective

sī-ˈkä-tik

Definition of psychotic

sometimes offensive

as in insane

unable to think in a clear or sensible way The identity of the psychotic criminal remains a puzzle.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 psychotic Defense lawyer Joshua O’Hara, previewing testimony from a defense psychiatrist, told jurors in an opening statement that Eaton was suffering from a delusional, psychotic disorder after losing his job at a credit union two weeks before the shooting. — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Devlin said eight jurors including herself began deliberation believing that Clancy, 36, was experiencing a psychotic episode when her children were killed in suburban Boston. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 Her defense, however, argued that Clancy killed her children after suffering a postpartum psychotic break. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026 The defense would have benefitted from calling a specialist in postpartum mood disorders to explain how easily psychotic symptoms can be missed in high-functioning new mothers. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for psychotic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for psychotic

Adjective

In particular, users are gravitating towards — and posting their own covers of — the bridge, which finds Williams belting insane high notes.

— Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
Evidently, the Manhunter released gas that drove Antaan’s people insane, forcing many of them to jump to their deaths.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of insane

Adjective

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
His teammate Christian McCaffrey, who is also known for his maniacal training regimen, has been impressed with Kittle’s recovery.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of maniacal

Adjective

To Hitchcock, the indelible feature of Roosevelt’s Presidency was his desire to protect democratic norms and processes amid crises, even as critics accused him of being a power-mad dictator or a Communist sympathizer.

— Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
The video has so many of Taylor’s favorite tropes—weddings that turn into a mess, metaphorically breaking glass, red wine spilling, mad women, chatty ghosts, symbolic houses.

— Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of mad

Adjective

In case your mental math isn’t checking out, Major League Soccer didn’t come on the scene until 1996.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026
The program has also evolved to put a greater emphasis on mental wellbeing, with Harry advocating for mental fitness and communication skills to be incorporated into the curriculum.

— Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of mental

Adjective

Patriots pull off a crazy play Facing a first-and-30 play after back-to-back penalties, the Patriots dialed up some trickiness in Jacksonville territory.

— Mark Long, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026
Sarkisian called it crazy in a game Texas also gave up a 57-yard punt return by Qua Moss for a TD.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of crazy

Adjective

She’s unknowingly fallen into the clutches of a demented, powerless warlock (McLeod) bent on stealing her power for his own.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2026
Brainy and inquisitive, she’s intrigued enough by his demented search to offer to help.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of demented

Adjective

The current situation is nuts, between Lane Kiffin down in Louisiana trying to bring NFL players back to college sports, or up in Lubbock and Brendan Sorsby being allowed to play.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
The fact anyone tries to use John Brown to take the moral high ground is nuts.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of nuts

Browse Nearby Words

psychosis

psychotic

psych (out)

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“Psychotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/psychotic. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of psychotic

adjective

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