as in psychotic
unable to think in a clear or sensible way
destined to become one of the nation's most notorious serial killers, he apparently became unhinged as a result of being abandoned as a young teen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in disturbed
to cause to go insane or as if insane
the endless harassment by the guards completely unhinged the prisoners of war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alarmed
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
I was momentarily unhinged by the unexpected question
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 unhinged
Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
As Nikki transforms from an ordinary young woman into an unhinged force willing to do anything to keep Bear to herself, Navarrette delivers a seamless and chilling performance that has quickly positioned her as one of horror’s most exciting new talents.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
ABC News, 1 May 2026
Saturday night’s series opener was unhinged.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unhinged
Adjective
Just the play on Black women being able to act out their rage in a very unhinged manner, but also a very appropriate manner for their psyche.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
As Nikki transforms from an ordinary young woman into an unhinged force willing to do anything to keep Bear to herself, Navarrette delivers a seamless and chilling performance that has quickly positioned her as one of horror’s most exciting new talents.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Verb
Raimi’s comic survivalist thriller grows increasingly unhinged as their roles reverse.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
Saturday night’s series opener was unhinged.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unhinged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unhinged
Adjective
-
In that setting, every user will be screened for cardiac issues and a family history of psychosis, and guided through their trip by two professional facilitators who have a doctor on call—and even then, some users experience a psychotic break or profound dissociative episodes.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
12 June 2026
-
The records indicate that Carradine had a history of anxiety, bipolar disorder, severe depression with psychotic features and prior suicide attempts.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Small black ants are generally harmless, but a colony of leafcutter ants can annihilate food crops, and aggressive fire ants build huge mounds and deliver a painful sting when disturbed.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
10 June 2026
-
In many cases, birds and their nests are protected by wildlife laws, meaning active nests should not be disturbed.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The Lebanese government was alarmed by Israeli troops crossing its Litani River last month.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
8 June 2026
-
The unprecedentedly large numbers of killings alarmed Western governments.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Rivians aren’t alone in the realm of insane reports of repair costs.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
11 June 2026
-
The whole thing is kind of insane.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
In cities around the United States, Mexico and Canada, fan zones are popping up as a gathering place for the soccer-crazed and the soccer-curious to come and enjoy the Beautiful Game.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
-
Both Shallow and her daughter are nature crazed, with Shallow’s childhood centering on walks in the woods and yoga classes while Ama’s is more about trips to the beach.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Keys got distracted by Sikoa and Knight took control.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
Items Made of Quality Materials Stephanie Wells recommends not getting distracted by looking for a particular type of item while thrifting but instead keeping your eyes open to a number of quality materials.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Also keep in mind that blasting noise through your AirPods or speakers may drown out some very important other sounds — like approaching wildlife or mad rattlesnakes.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
To go and do Nicolas Winding Refn film, or just the really fun, mad thing.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Frank, moving, and just slightly deranged.—
Namara Smith,
New Yorker,
10 June 2026
-
Only sick, demented, or deranged people in the House or Senate could vote against THE SAVE AMERICA ACT.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unhinged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unhinged. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
