neurotic

The neurotic self-policing about the supposed rules of engagement has given way to something that looks more like confidence.

From Salon ● May 30, 2026

Germany is uniquely neurotic about debt and about unsound money.

From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2026

She was one of many authors he wrangled—alcoholic William Faulkner, neurotic Dr. Seuss, industrious James Michener, imperious Philip Roth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026

Sometimes his neurotic, navel-gazing side gets the better of his artistry, as was the case at his concert at the Greek Theatre in the summer of 2024.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025

He was a literature professor, neurotic and blinky behind his glasses, who Blaine once said was the only person at Yale that he trusted completely.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

“Many young male neurotics find out early that hard labor is salve for an overactive mind,” he writes.

From New York Times ● May 31, 2017

They attack the very shelter nature had given them, something neurotics of all animal classes can relate to.

From Slate ● Feb. 13, 2017

But something unexpected happens: Mendel falls madly in love with Trina, further entangling this skein of classic New York neurotics.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 17, 2016

Hoover's writing is not really the point, though this is the kind of writing that teaches normal teens how to behave like fledgling neurotics.

From The Verge ● Jan. 20, 2016

Dora had handled plenty of neurotics in her time.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck