manic-depressive

adjective

man·​ic-de·​pres·​sive ˌma-nik-di-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce manic-depressive (audio)
: characterized by or affected with either mania or depression or alternating mania and depression (as in bipolar disorder)
manic-depressive noun

Examples of manic-depressive 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.
Long before this, he had also been diagnosed as having manic-depressive bipolar disorder. — Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2023 Everything is fine and dandy until Meadow spends the weekend at home, leaving Noah to deal with her manic-depressive roommate, Caitlin. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 The writer-director is currently developing a feature about a male friendship destroyed by manic-depressive illness as well as a miniseries. — Alissa Simon, Variety, 3 July 2025 Bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness of the brain that causes extreme changes in mood and energy levels, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

manic + depressive entry 1, after German manisch-depressiv

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manic-depressive was in 1902

Rhymes for manic-depressive

See All Rhymes for manic-depressive

Browse Nearby Words

manic depression
manic-depressive
manic-depressive illness
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Cite this Entry

“Manic-depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manic-depressive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

manic-depressive

1 of 2 adjective
man·​ic-de·​pres·​sive ˌman-ik-di-ˈpres-iv How to pronounce manic-depressive (audio)
: characterized by or affected with either mania or depression or alternating mania and depression (as in bipolar disorder)

manic-depressive

2 of 2 noun
: a manic-depressive individual
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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