variants
also hysteric
1
as in funny
causing or intended to cause laughter
some of the things little kids come out with are hysterical
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worried
feeling overwhelming fear or worry
the police officer assured the mother that there was no need to get hysterical, for most missing children are found safe and sound
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in frightened
filled with fear or dread
upon hearing the announcement that a shark had been sighted, hysterical beachgoers raced out of the water
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hysterical
This year, Disney allowed such great moments to be broadcasted on social:
The Thunderbolts* cast’s hysterical arrival onstage, the troupe having just rescued Wyatt Russell from losing at the casino tables.
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Their originals can be hysterical and their cover songs transformative.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025
The film adaptation of the incredibly popular video game, A Minecraft Movie fell flat with critics with 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, but has been met with hysterical audience reactions thanks to memes that spread online before the film’s release.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
With seven seasons of pure gold, Parks and Recreation served up everything from town hall shenanigans to hysterical dysfunction in the workplace, reminding us that staying true to your weirdness is the secret ingredient to keeping it all together.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hysterical
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Their originals can be hysterical and their cover songs transformative.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025
The film adaptation of the incredibly popular video game, A Minecraft Movie fell flat with critics with 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, but has been met with hysterical audience reactions thanks to memes that spread online before the film’s release.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
With seven seasons of pure gold, Parks and Recreation served up everything from town hall shenanigans to hysterical dysfunction in the workplace, reminding us that staying true to your weirdness is the secret ingredient to keeping it all together.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hysterical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hysterical
Adjective
-
What’s funny about that is that Alexander appears to have some Leonard Williams to his game.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Not lying and not funny, but not to be ignored either.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Investors had also been worried about the fallout from sweeping U.S. tariffs that are prompting businesses to rein in spending.—
Deborah Sophia and Aditya Soni,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
-
My client is worried about losing benefits, which is not a reason to worry.—
Diane Omdahl,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
When a deputy arrived, the victim was shaking and frightened, the complaint said.—
Dylan Gentile,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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The next night, her sister Gwen said Selonia became frightened when a relative who was visiting Selonia spotted Jimmy Ray Barnes near her home.—
Vladimir Duthiers, Paul LaRosa,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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As such, the Stars’ best chance is not to get into another track meet like Thursday night’s ridiculous game, won 7-4 by the Avalanche.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
-
Why would Stephanie agree to this ridiculous offer?—
Hannah Madlener,
Glamour,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
Business buyers aren’t scared of founders with strong personal brands.—
Lien De Pau,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
-
The cat may be scared, lonely, losing senses, or in pain.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There were humorous moments amid the writers’ accounts of tragedy.—
Rebecca Plevin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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When the slasher eventually appears, stealing the group’s car before murdering them with a humorous bluntness, there is also a real atmosphere of dread.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
She wasn’t moved to tears by Lainey Wilson’s headlining performance, nor was the singer-songwriter from rural San Luis Obispo, California, distraught over any kind of personal trauma triggered by Wilson’s lyrics (country songs are known for having this kind of effect, after all).—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
29 Apr. 2025
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Carter’s widow, Lillian Carter, was too distraught to read her own statement.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Rannells, who reprises his role as Stephanie's friend Darren, made headlines when promoting Another Simple Favor with an amusing dodge to a question hinting at Lively's legal dramas.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 May 2025
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Braun cannot say the same for his amusing role in an instant classic Nuggets moment.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hysterical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hysterical. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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