1
as in lunatic
a person who lacks good sense or judgment
It was some surprise to see such chill person become a complete maniac when he got behind the wheel.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lover
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something
I'm a maniac for anything flavored with peppermint
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 maniac
Instead of a Buffy-like television show, however, this one recreates a fictional slasher franchise called Camp Miasma, a typical homicidal-maniac-versus-horny-teens-in-the-woods series that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Friday the 13th movies.
—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
20 May 2026
This maniac should be removed from office.
—
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Because Sidney Prescott, now Evans, exists only in relationship to Ghostface, the costume worn by many different knife-wielding maniacs over the years, starting with her high school boyfriend.
—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
3 Mar. 2026
Because Sidney Prescott, now Evans, exists only in relationship to Ghostface, the costume worn by many different knife-wielding maniacs over the years, starting with her high school boyfriend.
—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maniac
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
20 May 2026
This maniac should be removed from office.
—
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Because Sidney Prescott, now Evans, exists only in relationship to Ghostface, the costume worn by many different knife-wielding maniacs over the years, starting with her high school boyfriend.
—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
3 Mar. 2026
Because Sidney Prescott, now Evans, exists only in relationship to Ghostface, the costume worn by many different knife-wielding maniacs over the years, starting with her high school boyfriend.
—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maniac
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniac
Noun
-
As a Spurs fan, I was particularly invested in Campbell in an England shirt and recall charging around the living room like a lunatic before the reality that it had been chalked off hit home.
-
The lunatics are running the asylum.
Noun
-
From artisan bakeries and farmers markets to homemade loaves bubbling on kitchen counters, sourdough has developed a devoted following among food lovers.
-
Toni and Shakira appeared to be in trouble after one of the show’s most meta humiliation rituals, in which the group is treated to a showing of clips of themselves having private conversations about their castmates and lovers.
Noun
-
Don’t let the cream’s $8 price tag fool you; the anti-aging find tackles fine lines, wrinkles, and clogged pores, all while being gentle enough for all skin types.
-
This is an ignoble war making monsters and fools out of its participants, and against the uncontrollable weapons that are dragons, everyone’s resolve is crumbling.
Noun
-
But Kiyoko is a sucker for a happy ending, and things tie up neater than the rest of the film might otherwise suggest.
-
Removing the suckers encourages better air circulation and focuses the plant’s energy on producing fruit, says Singh.
Noun
-
Each morning, the city's street-flusher truck cleans goose droppings from the riverfront concrete walkway, but officials said the equipment cannot remove droppings left on grassy areas.
-
Was there pressure on you as this goose whose golden eggs were all going to Apple?
Noun
-
Some fans flew from Portugal to Miami to watch Ronaldo play in his 25th career World Cup match.
-
One dog became the center of attention of Scottish fans who gathered in Boston for the World Cup.
Noun
-
Lewis, a formidable collector, accumulated these masterpieces alongside his daughter Vivienne, an equally impassioned art enthusiast.
-
Pop culture and anime conventions have exploded in popularity across the United States, giving cosplayers and cartoon enthusiasts looking a place to celebrate their interests together.
Noun
-
Never fear, San Antonio fanatics, there’s something in the auction for you, too.
-
The revolutionary fanatics running the Islamic regime aren’t interested in the welfare of the Iranian public, who were mowed down by the thousands when protesters took the streets seeking freedom.
Cite this Entry
“Maniac.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniac. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
