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
ˈma-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce manic (audio)
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.
As the manic character starts to chip away and the real Lyons begins to break through, the show reveals itself as something far more vulnerable. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Drugs such as Lamictal and lithium, along with anticonvulsants and antipsychotics, can help control manic and depressive episodes, quiet racing thoughts and sleep problems, and curb risky behavior. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Bipolar disorder can also be calamitously exacerbated by SSRIs, causing manic or hypomanic symptoms. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 And while Foy is appealing as the indefatigable mother, Garfield leans too heavily into manic cutesiness as the endlessly chirpy father who at times seems less grown-up than his children. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing manic

Rhymes for manic

See All Rhymes for manic

Browse Nearby Words

maniacal
manic
manic depression
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

manic

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

manic

2 of 2 noun
: an individual affected with mania
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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