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
Top Iranian officials issued frantic statements in response, and the press now has reason to pay more attention to the protests.
—
The Wall Street Journal, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
As the family's frantic search begins, the media is quick to point the finger at Marissa and her friend, Jenny Kaminski (Elle Fanning), whose nanny, Carrie Finch (Sophia Lillis), becomes the prime suspect.
—Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
One possible reason for the frantic response became apparent quickly.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Schreiber quickly put down his camera and began to grab the frantic birds.
—Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frantic
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The Wall Street Journal, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
As the family's frantic search begins, the media is quick to point the finger at Marissa and her friend, Jenny Kaminski (Elle Fanning), whose nanny, Carrie Finch (Sophia Lillis), becomes the prime suspect.
—Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
One possible reason for the frantic response became apparent quickly.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Schreiber quickly put down his camera and began to grab the frantic birds.
—Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 4 Jan. 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 7 Jan. 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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