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.

Scott Pelley’s hysterical self-indulgence illustrates what’s gone wrong with the American news media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Her hysterical grin sets your teeth on edge; she alternates between swiftness and stillness in her uncanny movements.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Varley was "hysterical" and blaming himself for what had happened, but this was all a "cover-up" act, Wright said.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Often, they’re the same thing, like Byrne’s stiff blonde wig or her set of fake teeth that impede several lines of dialogue to hysterical results.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

A bubble of hysterical laughter threatens to well up, and I have to swallow it back down.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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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