1
: emotionally out of control
especially
: feeling or showing fear or anxiety
was frantic while waiting for news
frantic cries for help
a frantic search for the lost child
2
: marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity
making frantic party preparations
3
archaic
: mentally unsound
Examples of frantic in a Sentence
The girl was frantic with fear.
They made a frantic search for the missing child.
They were making frantic preparations for the party.
a frantic attempt to finish on schedule
Recent Examples on the Web
The mother of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro — who claimed her son had been kidnapped, kicking off a frantic search in the Inland Empire — now faces a lengthy prison sentence after admitting to charges related to her role in the infant’s disappearance and death.
—
Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
While unfortunate, the frantic opening minutes of the second half highlighted a continuing issue for Miller.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026
The low-end torque delivery makes the truck feel smoother and less frantic than the gas V8s.
—New Atlas, 27 May 2026
Referees can be seen waving a frantic conclusion to the proceedings just as one fighter is choking another to the point of blackout.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frantic
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Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
While unfortunate, the frantic opening minutes of the second half highlighted a continuing issue for Miller.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026
The low-end torque delivery makes the truck feel smoother and less frantic than the gas V8s.
—New Atlas, 27 May 2026
Referees can be seen waving a frantic conclusion to the proceedings just as one fighter is choking another to the point of blackout.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frantic
Cite this Entry
“Frantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frantic. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
frantic
adjective
fran·tic
ˈfrant-ik 
1
: wildly excited
frantic cries for help
was frantic with fear
2
: marked by wild and hurried activity
a frantic search for the missing child
franticly
adverb
-i-klē
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