manic

adjective

man·​ic ˈma-nik How to pronounce manic (audio)
: affected with, relating to, characterized by, or resulting from mania
had a manic personality
his manic work pace
manic noun
manically adverb

Examples of manic in a Sentence

a manic sense of humor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Studies have linked excessive screen use in preteens to a higher risk of developing manic symptoms. Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025 Only the second time a member of the British monarchy has married an American, the union was met with manic fanfare on both sides of the pond. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 20 May 2025 Take away the Covid masks, and this mix of modern-day Western, political satire, and several other genres mashed into one manic panic attack could be set last week. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025 In a state of manic giddiness, Cruise bounded on the stage in Winfrey’s studio. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for manic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of manic was circa 1824

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manic. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

manic

1 of 2 adjective
man·​ic ˈman-ik How to pronounce manic (audio)
: affected with, relating to, or resembling mania
manically adverb

manic

2 of 2 noun
: an individual affected with mania

More from Merriam-Webster on manic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!