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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of hysterical
Other forgettable sounds became hysterical, like a chicken clucking after Kevin Hart’s character explodes in Jumanji.
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Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2024
Later, her sister comforted my hysterical mother and washed the blood from between her legs and the dirt from her face and hair.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Hitting hot button issues with fresh insight and hysterical precision, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele revealed themselves to be two of the best comedy writers in the business, leading to a Peabody Award, two Emmy Awards, and millions of fans.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2024
The character of Jessi at the beginning was a little hysterical, stuck in her world, like a puppet.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hysterical 
Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2024
Later, her sister comforted my hysterical mother and washed the blood from between her legs and the dirt from her face and hair.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Hitting hot button issues with fresh insight and hysterical precision, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele revealed themselves to be two of the best comedy writers in the business, leading to a Peabody Award, two Emmy Awards, and millions of fans.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2024
The character of Jessi at the beginning was a little hysterical, stuck in her world, like a puppet.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hysterical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hysterical
Adjective
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Crandell, the Harvard physiatrist, is a funny, brainy, and upbeat clinician who treats people with amputations in the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, a building overlooking Boston Harbor.Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
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An Instax camera snaps photos throughout the night, the shots progressively funnier the more nog is consumed.Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Still, some residents are worried about the drones.Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 14 Dec. 2024
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Lawmakers in New Jersey and beyond grew worried Friday about the now-regular spotting of drones over the state, with officials calling for answers and more transparency from federal agencies.The Hill, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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His fervor to determine who took the weapon reveals a shockingly monstrous side, turning his wife and children into frightened suspects and leading to a jarring tonal-shift ending that proves to be a cathartic, believable final destination for a film simmering with mistrust and anger.Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
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At worst, this could lead to one or more Kent State-type incidents, with frightened Guardsmen in hostile, unfamiliar territory.Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Injury updates The revolving door in John Worley’s training room has spun at a ridiculous pace lately.Michael Russo, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
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Gibson spends most of the premiere in a ridiculous wig of surfer curls; by the end, he’s got Hall’s haircut, and his inner monologue sounds suspiciously like his predecessor.Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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That evening, in the no man’s land, a field strewn with empty water bottles, four Shia families sat on a picnic blanket around a burner attached to a gas tank, looking scared and drinking yerba mate.Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2024
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Once glued to their hiding spot, a scared cat may not come out when called by its owner.Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, the beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a Red Ryder Air Rifle.Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 2024
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And especially if the song comes from a musical comedy, then the lyrics are often humorous.Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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As the war goes on Lena is distraught, not knowing anything of what has become of him, not receiving any letters.Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024
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Rebecca De Mornay starred as a twisted widow who, distraught over losing her own baby, insinuates herself into a family as their nanny, with the ultimate goal of taking the kids and the husband for herself.Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Other videos don’t end so super—with a range of different crashes resulting, which may seem amusing to watch.Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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Additional viewers found the segment to be amusing, with several enjoying the Port Authority joke.Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near hysterical
Cite this Entry
“Hysterical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hysterical. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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