frantic

adjective

fran·​tic ˈfran-tik How to pronounce frantic (audio)
Synonyms of frantic
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
franticness
ˈfran-tik-nəs How to pronounce frantic (audio)
noun

Synonyms of frantic

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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
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.
Dallas Caton’s bass-heavy production lays the foundation for the frantic and propulsive record. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026 Over the course of one frantic, late-July weekend, 98 teens representing all 50 states put their busy lives on hold to try to do something remarkable. — Cory Turner, NPR, 30 July 2026 Those comments were discussing the very beginning of frantic efforts to figure out the origins of the virus. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 There is no frantic downshift, no strained exhaust note, and little sensation of mechanical effort. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for frantic

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frenetik, frentik, frantike "temporarily deranged, delirious" — more at frenetic

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of frantic was in the 14th century

Rhymes for frantic

See All Rhymes for frantic

Browse Nearby Words

franseria
frantic
frantically
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Cite this Entry

“Frantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frantic. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

frantic

adjective
fran·​tic ˈfrant-ik How to pronounce frantic (audio)
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
frantically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce frantic (audio)
adverb
franticly
-i-klē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on frantic

Nglish: Translation of frantic for Spanish Speakers

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