1
as in excited
informal
showing urgent desire or interest
The friends are bonkers about the new video game, and play together for hours at a time.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in insane
informal + sometimes offensive
unable to think in a clear or sensible way
She spent her last years as a totally bonkers recluse in a decaying mansion.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bonkers
Rinna briefly conflated the mayor’s race with the California’s equally bonkers gubernatorial contest.
—
Marc Malkin, Variety, 26 May 2026
There were indelible clutch moments and absolutely bonkers endings.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Tanyard Hill, located next to Coy Hill, is home to four warehouses built in the early ’60s that also apparently yield barrels with truly bonkers levels of alcohol.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
Graffiti historian Roger Gastman—who helped orchestrate MOCA’s record-setting Art in the Streets show in 2011—takes over a 40,000-square-foot warehouse on the edge of Chinatown for a totally bonkers street art experience.
—Marielle Wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, 21 June 2018
Hulu’s new show from the creator of Luther is a totally bonkers melange of sci-fi scenarios, global doom, and stabbiness.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2018
Marc Malkin, Variety, 26 May 2026
There were indelible clutch moments and absolutely bonkers endings.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Tanyard Hill, located next to Coy Hill, is home to four warehouses built in the early ’60s that also apparently yield barrels with truly bonkers levels of alcohol.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
Graffiti historian Roger Gastman—who helped orchestrate MOCA’s record-setting Art in the Streets show in 2011—takes over a 40,000-square-foot warehouse on the edge of Chinatown for a totally bonkers street art experience.
—Marielle Wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, 21 June 2018
Hulu’s new show from the creator of Luther is a totally bonkers melange of sci-fi scenarios, global doom, and stabbiness.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonkers
Adjective
-
Players such as Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox and Knicks forward OG Anunoby don't sound nearly as excited.—
Alejandro Avila,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
-
Studiously moderated, but excited, voices amplified news of the actual invasion of Europe read hastily in Orlando Morning Sentinel.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Rivians aren’t alone in the realm of insane reports of repair costs.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
11 June 2026
-
The whole thing is kind of insane.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
The hardware required to contribute observations isn’t terribly expensive, and the process comes with detailed instructions, as well as enthusiastic support for rookies just getting started.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
12 June 2026
-
The performance drew enthusiastic applause from fans who recognized familiar songs and cultural traditions.—
J.M. Banks
June 12,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Also keep in mind that blasting noise through your AirPods or speakers may drown out some very important other sounds — like approaching wildlife or mad rattlesnakes.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
To go and do Nicolas Winding Refn film, or just the really fun, mad thing.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Melophiles will be treated to sets by acclaimed guitarist (and avid surfer) Peter Sprague also during opening-night festivities, and live performances by the beloved local favorite vintage rock band, the Mar Dels on Saturday.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 2026
-
Myung Chun, a Times photographer and avid motorcycle rider, was there when Highway 1 reopened in January and returned in late May with a GoPro camera strapped to his chest and a 360-degree camera mounted on his bike.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
In that setting, every user will be screened for cardiac issues and a family history of psychosis, and guided through their trip by two professional facilitators who have a doctor on call—and even then, some users experience a psychotic break or profound dissociative episodes.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
12 June 2026
-
The records indicate that Carradine had a history of anxiety, bipolar disorder, severe depression with psychotic features and prior suicide attempts.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
The arch spans 78 feet and rises 65 feet high, drawing hikers eager to experience one of the region’s most striking landmarks.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Even the president’s son is eager to find true love.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
Bardem is captivating and formidable, grinning with maniacal glee at his every act of depravity and the fear and anguish of his victims.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
No, Kenny Atkinson insisted a bug was taking his voice, not the Detroit Pistons and this maniacal Game 5 victory.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bonkers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonkers. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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