NERVOUS BREAKDOWN Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

nervous breakdown

noun

Definition of nervous breakdown

as in breakdown

a mental or nervous collapse you're going to have a nervous breakdown if you keep up that pace

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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 nervous breakdown Decades later, some of the biggest criticisms of Communion are arguably among its most charming virtues, from Walken's idiosyncratic performance as a man on the verge of a nervous breakdown to the cheesy special effects. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026 This happened years before, in such a serious way that my friend had to take a three-month medical leave of absence due to what was likely a nervous breakdown. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 When their news anchor (Peter Finch) has a nervous breakdown on the air, suddenly their ratings turn around, bringing on a moral morass only some of them are prepared to face. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 Mostly because Kiesling’s voice is delightful, and this chronicle of Daphne—a young mother-intellectual on the verge of a nervous breakdown—is open-hearted and unsparing about the work that goes into balancing infant care with day job. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nervous breakdown

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervous breakdown

breakdown

Noun

The plan also included a breakdown of which areas are targeted for these elevations, which indicates the areas with properties at the highest risk of flooding.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Wildland firefighters can also face rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of skeletal muscle that can contribute to kidney injury.

— Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of breakdown

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nervous

nervous breakdown

nervous breakdowns

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“Nervous breakdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervous%20breakdown. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of nervous breakdown

noun

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