Definitions

hysterical

[hi-ster-i-kuhl] / hɪˈstɛr ɪ kəl /

ADJECTIVE

very upset, excited

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitated crazy distraught emotional frantic frenzied furious impassioned mad nervous neurotic overwrought passionate uncontrollable vehement violent

WEAK

berserk beside oneself blazing carried away convulsive crazed delirious distracted fiery fuming impetuous in a fit incensed irrepressible maddened panic-stricken possessed rabid raging rampant raving seething spasmodic tempestuous turbulent uncontrolled unnerved unrestrained uproarious wild worked-up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic balanced calm collected controlled cool happy indifferent mild moderate peaceful pleased reasonable sane unenthusiastic unexcited unpassionate

WEAK

serene

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

During the podcast interview, Moreno-Gama bristled at stereotypes of hysterical “AI doomers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“All the boys have them,” one female White House aide told the Journal, while another joked that “it’s hysterical because everybody’s afraid not to wear them.”

From Slate • Mar. 14, 2026

Lader, 40, described "grabbing babies who were being schlepped across the street, and finding parents who were hysterical that their kids weren't here."

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Actor and The Studio creator Seth Rogan said he was devastated by O'Hara's death, describing the actress as " hysterical, kind, intuitive, generous".

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

They were all pretty mad, especially the district supervisor, and Mrs. Wendleken was hysterical by the time somebody let them out.

From "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson

Vocabulary lists containing hysterical

Wonder

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The Diary of Anne Frank

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The House on Mango Street

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