conniption

noun

con·​nip·​tion kə-ˈnip-shən How to pronounce conniption (audio)
: a fit of rage, hysteria, or alarm
went into conniptions
He had a conniption when his favorite TV program was preempted by a political speech.

Examples of conniption in a Sentence

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.
That would be enough to give even Captain Nemo conniption fits. — New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025 The economy is his latest conniption. — Chris Brennan, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2025 The conniption — a properly old-fashioned word, considering the restaurants' rustic decor and pretend general store — started last week. — Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Kane scored two goals in England’s opening-game win over Croatia but missed a gimme against Ghana yesterday in a 0-0 draw, sending pubs into conniption. — Sean Gregory, Time, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for conniption

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conniption was in 1833

Rhymes for conniption

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Browse Nearby Words

conning tower
conniption
conniption bug
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conniption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conniption. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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