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.

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Weeks before Cynthia’s death, after Ortiz broke things off with Hatley, she allegedly became hysterical.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 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

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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