as in frantically
in a confused and reckless manner
the familiar scene in horror movies where everyone runs berserk as the monster destroys everything in sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ballistic
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
variants
or berserker
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of berserk
Chris Richards, Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2023
The bounce is outrageous, the handclaps are berserk, and Myaap is as restless as ever, even rapping through the soaring chorus when most would just use it as a breather.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2023
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
This annual meteor shower tends to go berserk every 33 years, but sadly, the next bonanza isn't due until 2032-33, according to Sky At Night.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for berserk
Adjective
Which, of course, drove the audience completely berserk.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2023
The bounce is outrageous, the handclaps are berserk, and Myaap is as restless as ever, even rapping through the soaring chorus when most would just use it as a breather.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2023
Noun
What followed was a moment of berserk that spiraled into this career-altering incident.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
This annual meteor shower tends to go berserk every 33 years, but sadly, the next bonanza isn't due until 2032-33, according to Sky At Night.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for berserk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for berserk
Adverb
-
This was mostly because Sonia was busy with the German shepherd, who slept behind a gate in the kitchen and barked frantically whenever another parent came to the door.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Laura frantically tapped her arm.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Planners also have looked at targeting whatever remains of the country’s air-defense system, and its ballistic-missile program.—
Vivian Salama,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Detectives connected Roath to the shooting through the use of city cameras, license plate readers, phone records, and ballistic evidence — including a 9mm shell casing found outside Kourtney’s home that traced back to a gun found under Roath’s mattress in his bedroom, according to court documents.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Malone describes moving to Denver 50-plus years ago with his wife, Leslie, and falling in love with the beauty of the Rockies, the cowboy culture, the clean air, and the ethic of freedom dominant in the West at the time.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Bella Hadid's relationship with cowboy prodigy Adan Banuelos has quietly come to an end a little after two years of dating.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The author of the wildly popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series has a snarky sci-fi standalone that has shades of Ender’s Game or Ready Player One, but from the other side.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Her coven of no-nonsense gals and transitioning beta males began cheering wildly.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Maduro’s capture, the assassination of Quds force chief Qassem Soleimani and the strikes on Iran’s nuclear program all correctly assessed their adversary’s relative inability to defend themselves or strike back.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Last year, nuclear generation hit record highs.—
Scott Montgomery,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 3 conditions for madman success The madman theory has historical roots going back to Machiavelli, but it is most closely associated with Richard Nixon, who, as incoming president, reportedly used the term to explain his approach to trying to force North Vietnam’s surrender in the Vietnam War.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
26 Jan. 2026
-
His madman approach seems to not be working, as the EU seems steadfast against him (while here at home, President Gordo’s madness is still very evident).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The Edge Spa, perched on the side of a precipice overlooking Alexander Creek, showcases ingredients grown or wild-harvested on site.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
10 Dec. 2025
-
Most of the region's black walnuts are currently wild-foraged and sold by the pound at local hulling centers.—
Randy Moll,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
When night falls, head back to the food truck for a smashburger, jumbo hot dog, or one of the vegetarian options.—
Jenny Willden,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Near the 10th green of the Lake Course, diners discover a cheeseburger shaped like a hot dog.—
Katie Sweeney,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Berserk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/berserk. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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