neurotic

adjective

Definition of neuroticnext
as in paranoid
having or showing a very nervous or disordered state of mind Her neurotic tendencies tend to manifest in her obsessive need for cleanliness. Our dog is a bit neurotic; she tends to panic around strangers.

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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 neurotic Part of what fueled the ups and downs was the sense that Paul Baker is genially open to whatever life might throw at him — a personality type engineered to drive the acting-out Issa and the neurotic Anton to distraction. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 He is admittedly relieved that Skarsgård was able to bring alive Bill’s gentle, yet neurotic nature. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026 Vocelle finds criticism that cat dads are seen as feminine, neurotic or less desirable as a relatively modern and unfounded affliction. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 But as with any good Leonard story, the best moments come from the characters, a rogues’ gallery of violent ruffians and neurotic, duplicitous scoundrels. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for neurotic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neurotic
paranoid
Adjective
  • Particularly paranoid reads include the belief that the band dropped Florida Water Blues on punk label Going Underground before signing to Sub Pop as an astroturfing campaign.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The situation became murkier as French lawyer Suzane Blum took increasing control over the affairs of Simpson, who had become increasingly paranoid and befuddled.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of paranoid

Browse Nearby Words

neurosis
neurotic
neuroticism
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Cite this Entry

“Neurotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neurotic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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