1
as in mad
unable to think in a clear or sensible way
After learning of the robbery, they were insane with anger and foolishly searched the neighborhood looking for their belongings.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in absurd
conceived or made without regard for reason or reality
a completely insane plan to build an opera house in the middle of nowhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stupid
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
an insane plan to blow all of their savings on lottery tickets
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount
wanted an insane amount of money to paint our house
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 insane
Stewie’s miserable, the other kids are miserable, and even the turtle is miserable…until Stewie begins rolling out his trusty array of devices to take them anywhere in space and time, turning every boring day at school into an insane and surreal adventure.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 May 2026
The Knicks keep winning (now heading to the Eastern Conference Finals) and the superfan Ben Stiller keeps gleefully tweeting through it—while also somehow driving the MAGA bots insane.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
This awesome little robovac-mop is literally shaving a full workday a week off her already insane I'm-a-mom schedule.
—Joe Salas
may 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2026
Beyond that criteria, Maggie’s parents didn’t care that John’s girlfriend’s job was insane and ridiculous.
—Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insane
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 May 2026
The Knicks keep winning (now heading to the Eastern Conference Finals) and the superfan Ben Stiller keeps gleefully tweeting through it—while also somehow driving the MAGA bots insane.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
This awesome little robovac-mop is literally shaving a full workday a week off her already insane I'm-a-mom schedule.
—Joe Salas
may 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2026
Beyond that criteria, Maggie’s parents didn’t care that John’s girlfriend’s job was insane and ridiculous.
—Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insane
Adjective
-
These mad scientists then trained a small flock of sheep to recognize four celebrities—Emma Watson, Barack Obama, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce—from their pictures on the internet.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
While Sharpe’s casting was inevitably, and depressingly, dismissed as another sign of wokeism gone mad, the half-Japanese/half-British actor ultimately brings something new to the table.—
Jon O'Brien,
IndieWire,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
That’s easier to accomplish the further the plot moves away from a diplomatic incident involving several national institutions and toward an occasionally absurd — but absorbing and well-paced — tale of individuals in over their heads.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
8 May 2026
-
The attempt by right-wing activists to use the collapse of Spirit Airlines as a cudgel against the Democrats is ironic and absurd.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Most big comedy shows at the fest had a strict no cellphones policy, Seinfeld was content with just reminding us that our friends are all sick of our stupid cellphone videos.—
Malina Saval,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
Don’t eat stupid food, don’t do music in the background.—
Terry Terrones,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The two highest-ranking Republicans in the state legislature called Wednesday for former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart to consider dropping out of the governor’s race over reported excessive spending on the city’s credit card.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
Parents Alexus Benavidez and Rauf Scott of Collin County filed a complaint this month against Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm in Frisco, alleging their 3-year-old son was the victim of excessive physical force that included yanking, spanking and smacking the toddler.—
Lina Ruiz
May 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
But if the World Cup match, anywhere, involves the likes of Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, or Brazil, Germany, Spain, England or any other world power, the cost will be exorbitant, and met, by maniacal super fans paying the price of passion.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 May 2026
-
An encounter with Ivy leads to Ollie touching a glowing pod — a remnant of majestic creatures that look like a cross between a tree and an elephant who are said to have been banished from The Valley by a maniacal Fire Wolf.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
But what happened on April 21 was ominous and bizarre, not conventional.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
And would today’s more bizarre cast of characters prove even more compelling?—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play a pair of ordinary police officers who get sucked into a crazy case involving multiple murders in their small English town.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
-
That’s despite reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander not putting up his typical crazy numbers.—
Geoff Clark OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Nothing too extreme thus far — no darkness retreat, ayahuasca journey or draft-night hijacking — but still, enough to make the Steelers feel just a bit uneasy.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Outdoor succulents should be kept somewhat sheltered from extreme weather such as high winds or heavy rains.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insane. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
