hyper
4 synonyms for hyper, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Informal: overly excited, energetic, or wound up.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use hyper
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
get hyper
act hyper
Informal; used in everyday speech far more than in technical or formal writing.
Etymology
A shortened, everyday form of words built from the prefix "hyper-" (meaning "over" or "excessive"), most commonly standing in for "hyperactive."
Full origin of hyper →Frequently asked questions
What does “hyper” mean?
The word “hyper” means informal: overly excited, energetic, or wound up. In plain terms, bursting with restless energy — bouncing off the walls.
How do you pronounce “hyper”?
“Hyper” is pronounced HEYE-puh (/ˈhaɪ.pəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hyper” in a sentence?
Here is “hyper” used in a sentence: “The kids got hyper after eating all that candy.”
What part of speech is “hyper”?
“Hyper” is an adjective.
Is “hyper” a common word?
“Hyper” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "hyper" and "excited"?
"Hyper" is an informal term meaning overly excited, energetic, or wound up, implying a level of intensity beyond normal excitement. "Excited" is more neutral and doesn't carry the same connotation of being overstimulated or hard to calm down.
Is "hyper" appropriate in formal writing?
No, "hyper" is labeled as informal, so it's best suited to casual conversation rather than formal or professional writing. In formal contexts, alternatives like "overexcited" or "energetic" would be more appropriate.
Is "hyper" used to describe children specifically?
While "hyper" is commonly used informally to describe children who are overly excited or energetic, the definition itself isn't limited to children and can describe anyone in an overly wound-up state. It's simply a very frequent informal descriptor for excitable kids.
