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Synonyms

frantically

American  
[fran-tik-lee] / ˈfræn tɪk li /
Rarely franticly

adverb

  1. in a desperate, wild, or frenzied way, out of extreme excitement, pain, fear, etc..

    All this time I was searching frantically in the trash can for my missing keys until, just when I thought all was lost, my finger touched something that jingled.

Etymology

Origin of frantically

frantic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I searched frantically for the button to shut it off,” Donio, 53, said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Her apprehensive patient hits a breaking point nevertheless, frantically fleeing the exam room while Dana is procedurally required to remain.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

Steve frantically travelled back from Dublin, but didn't make it.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

The note has taken center stage as authorities are still frantically trying to find Nancy Guthrie, 84, five days after her apparent abduction from her Tucson-area home.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

“It was a paranormal emergency; surely you, of all people, would understand,” he whispered, before she frantically shushed him.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.