MANIAC Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

maniac

noun

ˈmā-nē-ˌak

Definition of maniac

informal

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The Martin Lawrence vehicle Martin, which ran for five glorious seasons, offered a terrific platform for Lawrence to run around like a maniac as an energetic radio DJ. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026 Plus, people drove like maniacs in the parking lot, especially on weekends and around holidays. — Literary Hub, 5 June 2026 Donald also had a reputation for being a maniac about taking care of his body and staying in shape. — Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 Ben Rice waved his arms like a maniac on the on-deck circle. — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for maniac

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniac

Noun

Republicans see an opportunity here, portraying progressive and socialist Democrats as lunatics and communists.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
While sane Americans were celebrating the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, the lunatics in Portland, Oregon were cheering along as two men made out on a baseball field during a 'Heated Rivalry' theme night.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of lunatic

Noun

Her daughter, who is an animal lover, has learned about marine creatures by scuba diving and going on submarine rides on their trips.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Overnight, the foundation became a staple among makeup artists and beauty lovers worldwide, thanks to its second-skin finish and lit-from-within glow.

— Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of lover

Noun

Many of the most viral videos that are part of the trend also play with social power dynamics by having the creator make a fool of someone who may be older, male or even their boss — further evidence of how social media use is changing online.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Sho Fujita, Burroughs, running back, senior Don’t let the 5-foot-6 size fool you.

— Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of fool

Noun

Often, a tree grows suckers in response to stress from pests, diseases, or damage, or to difficult conditions such as inadequate root space or insufficient water.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
This sucker is super small and lightweight, clips on in a second, and feels damn close to the original inputs.

— David Pierce, The Verge, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of sucker

Noun

Crown Royal whisky, goose down jackets, ice-hockey equipment and a long list of other Canadian goods could become much more expensive for American consumers.

— Amy B Wang, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2026
Taylor Sheridan is Paramount's golden goose right now, creating the ultra-popular Yellowstone franchise along with a passel of other shows.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 July 2026

Definition of goose

Noun

Haaland’s whole thing is to sort of explode out of nowhere to blow Valhalla-sized holes in the back of the net, a pattern that’s long been familiar to EPL enthusiasts.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
On the other hand, severe inflation could produce the same nominal milestone while bitcoin purchased far less than enthusiasts imagine.

— Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of enthusiast

Noun

What we’re left with is the image of the fanatic, leaving prints on the grass, chasing the President’s golf cart to no avail, working out her psychic need in the epistolary form, writing as much to herself as to her addressee.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
Croissant lovers, cookie fanatics and cake devotees — this one’s for you.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of fanatic

Browse Nearby Words

mania

maniac

maniacal

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Maniac.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniac. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of maniac

noun

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