as in psychotic
unable to think in a clear or sensible way
destined to become one of the nation's most notorious serial killers, he apparently became unhinged as a result of being abandoned as a young teen
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in disturbed
to cause to go insane or as if insane
the endless harassment by the guards completely unhinged the prisoners of war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alarmed
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
I was momentarily unhinged by the unexpected question
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of unhinged
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
From thrillers with missing kids and an unhinged nanny to a movie about a nuclear attack, streaming services are doing their darndest to rattle your nerves.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson headline this unhinged British musical, in which Merlin the Magician (Starr, who also produced) tries to convince Nilsson's reluctant immortal to assume the family throne.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unhinged
Adjective
The series, which follows the unhinged misadventures of charity workers dedicated to making people happy, is currently airing its third season, and in a sign of confidence from its network, was already renewed for two additional seasons in 2024.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
From thrillers with missing kids and an unhinged nanny to a movie about a nuclear attack, streaming services are doing their darndest to rattle your nerves.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Intensely creepy and increasingly unhinged, Alejandro Amenábar’s supernatural chiller owes much to Kidman’s unwavering commitment as a distressed, shotgun-wielding mother trying to protect her children from the hauntings plaguing their remote country house in ’40s Jersey.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson headline this unhinged British musical, in which Merlin the Magician (Starr, who also produced) tries to convince Nilsson's reluctant immortal to assume the family throne.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unhinged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unhinged
Adjective
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However, mental health experts now warn that for a small group of vulnerable people, long and emotionally charged conversations with AI may worsen delusions or psychotic symptoms.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Jan. 2026
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People with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may be quiet and withdrawn for a long time, then unexpectedly slip into a psychotic episode.—
Kat McGowan,
NPR,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The whales' communication can be disturbed by underwater noise made by humans, and the interference often deters them from certain crucial areas, like breeding and feeding locations.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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For instance, Bella's first meeting with Edward in their biology class is supposed to be this unnerving moment, where Bella is disturbed by Edward's apparent repulsion toward her.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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These changes have left Israelis alarmed, according to the survey.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
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Don’t be alarmed when the vinegar reacts with the baking soda.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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His votes, like his tattoos, just weren’t insane enough anymore.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
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His voice messages of songs are amazing and insane.—
Kristin Robinson,
Billboard,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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They are not deranged or crazed.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
16 Dec. 2025
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To make matters worse, Elphaba believes he has been killed and becomes crazed with grief.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
21 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Over the years, California Highway Patrol officers have told Honk their priority is saving lives — so intoxicated and distracted drivers, speeders and those not wearing seat belts get top billing.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
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Moreover, 14% of more than 1,000 respondents said at least one accident had occurred at their workplace because an employee was distracted by a smartphone—often resulting in injury or damage to property.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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And everyone is mad at Andrew—though this one feels like a rumor and more reality.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
7 Jan. 2026
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He’s been thrown straight into a mad month, in which Chelsea have Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League fixtures.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Many of those viewers have strong opinions and allegiances and are deranged.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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Most people don’t commit violent acts, but in the hands of someone who’s fired up and mentally deranged, anything can happen.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unhinged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unhinged. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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