dementia

noun

di-ˈmen(t)-shə How to pronounce dementia (audio)
Definition of dementianext
as in schizophrenia
a serious mental disorder that prevents one from living a safe and normal life doctors were able to treat the patient's dementia with drugs and thus allow him to function on his own

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dementia More research is needed to better understand the connection between glucosamine and dementia. — Laura Bradley, Health, 26 June 2026 The shingles vaccine may significantly help protect older adults against dementia, a growing body of evidence shows. — Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 29 June 2026 However, the study was observational and does not prove that caffeine directly prevents dementia. — Lauren Pastrana, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to lower blood pressure, boost good cholesterol, maintain cell health, and reduce the risk for cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dementia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dementia
  1. schizophrenia
  2. insanity
  3. hysteria
  4. madness
  5. instability
Noun
  • But their loving, attentive mother soon began displaying signs of schizophrenia.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026
  • After Nijinsky began to show signs of schizophrenia, this mask, or persona, grew disturbed.
    — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of schizophrenia
Noun
  • Iraq, Canada, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Qatar, Saudi Arabia After accidentally cursing President Saddam Hussein on stage, theater actor Salem convinces a military court of his insanity to escape a death sentence.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 6 July 2026
  • San Francisco trailed 6-1 at the time of Webb’s departure, and given Coors Field’s penchant for insanity, a comeback wasn’t out of the question.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of insanity
Noun
  • And the hysteria over the centers seemed to be not as much about freedom, or competing educational philosophies, or politics at all, as about an ever-shrinking pot of money.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • From causing supernatural events to creating hysteria, our orbiting nightlight has always had legends and folktales written about it.
    — Taylor Grothe, Parents, 28 June 2026
Definition of hysteria
Noun
  • In the midst of the final stretch of World Cup madness, here are eight shows happening in Kansas City in July.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • Either Cody or Gunther wins because Sami gets screwed; Zayn will then further descend into madness and attack someone after the bell.
    — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of madness
Noun
  • Peruvians voted in favor of Fujimori amid a surge in violent crime, extortion and years of political instability.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Leaders are facing a range of barriers to growth in 2026, including cybersecurity threats (58%), regulations and corporate tax rates (43%), inflation (42%), geopolitical instability (40%), and supply chain issues (35%).
    — Sentry Insurance, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of instability

Browse Nearby Words

dementedness
dementia
demerit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dementia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dementia. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dementia

Nglish: Translation of dementia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dementia

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