manic

adjective

man·​ic ˈma-nik 

: affected with, relating to, characterized by, or resulting from mania

had a manic personality

his manic work pace

manic noun

manically

ˈma-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of manic in a Sentence

a manic sense of humor

Recent Examples on the Web

Elon Musk, the richest man in America (and therefore the world), tried a similar maneuver in Wisconsin this week, dumping gobs of money and his manic campaign presence into a contest for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. —Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025

The withdrawal was difficult at times: eight years of manic, identity-warping hysteria and creative intensity. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025

This is a film that exists entirely to support a brilliant, go-for-broke performance from Glenn Close, who channels a fabulous manic energy as Cruella De Vil. —Barry Levitt, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025

The van ride is almost alarmingly pleasant since Eddie’s either gotten his feet under him or is on the downswing of a manic episode. —Marah Eakin, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek manikós "mad, crazy," from manía "madness, frenzy, mania" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1824, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing manic

• manic depression
• manic-depressive
• manic-depressive illness

Rhymes for manic

• bannock
• laennec
• panic
• stannic
• tannic
• aldermanic
• inorganic
• magellanic
• messianic
• oceanic
• pozzolanic
• talismanic

Medical Definition

manic

1 of 2 adjective

man·​ic ˈman-ik 

: affected with, relating to, or resembling mania

manically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

manic

2 of 2 noun

: an individual affected with mania