hysteria

noun

hi-ˈster-ē-ə How to pronounce hysteria (audio)
Definition of hysterianext
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion the hysteria of the mother when she realized that she had lost her four-year-old son in the crowd

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hysteria The Beatles, not yet known in America, were already inspiring hysteria across England. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Sometimes, techies will embrace the accusations in ironic fashion, sending a proud middle finger to the luddites who’ve declined partaking in the industry hysteria. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 15 Oct. 2026 Set in 1959, the episode weaves the lie of female hysteria, misogyny, Cold War fears and pharmaceutical greed into one tremendous installment. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Russell turned the story into an extravagant examination of religious hysteria and political power, with stark white sets by Derek Jarman and an avant-garde score by Peter Maxwell Davies. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hysteria
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hysteria
  1. frenzy
  2. rampage
Noun
  • Concerns also remain that their prices shot too high following a yearslong frenzy, even though companies in the industry continue to report growth.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Stocks that have benefited from the frenzy over AI have been swinging over rising worries about their path ahead.
    — Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of frenzy
Noun
  • They were credited with stopping the rampage and saving many people’s lives.
    — Martha Bellisle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • They were credited with stopping the rampage and saving many people's lives.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of rampage

Browse Nearby Words

hypotheticals
hysteria
hysterical
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Cite this Entry

“Hysteria.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hysteria. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hysteria

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hysteria

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