as in excited
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
exhausted from a hectic day at the office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 hectic
Ada’s overlapping cycles of initiation and desperation are intensely dramatic, but the movie’s hectic pace leaves each of them merely encapsulated in brief onscreen action or a few lines of dialogue, left undeveloped.
—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
Teams were eager for a change, finding the travel burdensome and the schedule too hectic to focus on roster preparations, with the league’s awards ceremony, the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the start of free agency unfolding in a few weeks’ time.
—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
26 June 2026
Others shared in the catharsis, too — some resorting to jokes about the hectic postgame interviews Anthony Edwards and Ball furnished, some resorting to utter confusion.
—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2026
For long flights, hectic afternoons running errands, or cozy days spent on the couch, check out the Scuba Mid-rise Oversized Joggers.
—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hectic
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 June 2026
Teams were eager for a change, finding the travel burdensome and the schedule too hectic to focus on roster preparations, with the league’s awards ceremony, the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the start of free agency unfolding in a few weeks’ time.
—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
26 June 2026
Others shared in the catharsis, too — some resorting to jokes about the hectic postgame interviews Anthony Edwards and Ball furnished, some resorting to utter confusion.
—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2026
For long flights, hectic afternoons running errands, or cozy days spent on the couch, check out the Scuba Mid-rise Oversized Joggers.
—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hectic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hectic
Adjective
-
The 21-year-old was nervous and excited putting on the Lakers’ gold jersey Friday at Chase Center.
-
Mauricio Umansky, Richards' estranged husband, is just as excited for the family's new addition.
Adjective
-
Other players have covered their mouths while speaking to opponents during the World Cup, but a red card is only issued if the conversation occurs during a confrontation or heated exchange.
-
The living room has hardwood floors and beamed ceilings; the kitchen includes a peninsula and a sitting area that opens to a balcony; and the primary suite features a bath with heated floors.
Adjective
-
People with heat stroke can feel confused, unable to speak properly and agitated.
-
However, first base umpire Todd Tichenor tossed the agitated second baseman after Chisholm spiked his helmet toward home plate.
Adjective
-
For those of us who live in Australia, there was a surreal quality to witnessing the frenzied panic of a mass shooting unfold against one of the country’s most iconic backdrops.
-
Instead of breaking into frenzied celebrations, thousands of Norwegian fans sat down and began rowing in their seats.
Cite this Entry
“Hectic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hectic. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
