frantic

So worried or frightened that you find it difficult to stay calm or think clearly.

• Her parents were frantic.
• I was frantic with worry when you did not call.
• Why are you so frantic about being late?

How to use it: frantic with something (She was frantic with worry.); frantic about something (He was frantic about his missing daughter.)

Similar words: panicked, distraught, desperate

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: frantic with worry, frantic parents, frantic about something

Very worried or frightened, often moving or acting quickly because something is wrong.

• Her parents were frantic with worry.
• We made frantic calls to every hospital.
• He became frantic when he could not find his daughter.

How to use it: frantic with something (She was frantic with worry when he failed to come home.)

Similar words: panicked, distraught

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: frantic search, frantic with worry, frantic phone calls

Done very quickly and with great energy, often without much order or control.

• A frantic search began immediately.
• The kitchen was full of frantic activity before dinner.
• We made frantic efforts to finish before the deadline.

Similar words: frenzied, hectic, feverish

Opposites: leisurely, unhurried

Common phrases: frantic search, frantic activity, frantic pace