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 The sitcom — which ran for eight seasons on ABC, from 1986, to 1993 — starred Pinchot as Balki, an optimistic immigrant from a fictional island called Mypos who moves in with his neurotic cousin, Larry, played by Mark Linn-Baker. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Democrats, neurotic from decades of defeat, are wringing their hands as usual, saying Jolly is too stiff on stage, too wonkish, not funny enough. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026 But the real shock here is Wilde, who not only knows how to keep viewers on the back foot as a filmmaker but slides into a neurotic register and off-kilter comic timing for her high-strung hostess that fit her like rubber glove. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026 In a four-hander where each performer excels in their own way, Wilde gives a neurotic tour de force. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for neurotic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neurotic
paranoid
Adjective
  • The result is a sprawling theory combining paranoid interpretations of current events with historical conspiracies.
    — Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • These women can become depressed, isolated, paranoid — convinced their thinning hair is all other people see.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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