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 odd thing about this choice is that, although the DSA’s platform is indeed chock-full of maniacal proposals, on this particular idea, the maniacs have a point. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026 The Destroyer accelerates with the single-minded wilfulness of a homicidal maniac. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for maniac

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniac

Noun

As such, if our primary political problem is finding a way to get a lunatic out of the Oval Office, there are three possible options, albeit none of which seem particularly efficacious.

— Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
The show will serve as a platform for countless lunatics within the InfoWars universe and a platform for larger announcements about the company’s fictional exploits.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of lunatic

Noun

But only recently has America’s Finest City emerged as a culinary mecca where savvy food lovers come in search of their next great meal.

— Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
As holiday season approaches, the TIME team has pulled out a selection of 10 best game and play items from the list that would make a perfect gift for the parents, little ones, and fun-lovers in your life.

— TIME Staff, Time, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of lover

Noun

From the opening, we are meant to wonder if Morris is a fool, besotted with this older, somewhat odd, controlling woman that no one in the family likes.

— John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
So to expect something dramatically different to immediately be forthcoming less than 10 games in largely would stand as a fool’s errand.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of fool

Noun

How could anyone in the military support a repulsive, draft-dodging coward who called dead soldiers suckers and losers?

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026
The theory seems to be that there will always be another crop of suckers willing to pump money into the ecosystem, so the market will provide.

— Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of sucker

Noun

Noel said classrooms could be temporarily moved to cooler spaces or provided fans, and that a supplemental cooling unit had been ordered.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Nov. 2026
The project imploded after allegations emerged that Bemis had engaged in inappropriate communication with underage fans.

— Larry Fitzmaurice, Pitchfork, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of fan

Noun

In Swizz’s current phase of life, more than 20 years into his music career, more than a decade of collecting art, and less than a year into his adventures in furniture, the design enthusiast is newly energized.

— Elise Brisco, VIBE.com, 7 Nov. 2026
The Edge is a great fit for cyclists and motorsport enthusiasts, divers and climbers, and anyone else who wants a small, tough video camera to record their exploits.

— Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of enthusiast

Noun

The larger proportions are more in line with those of the shoe in its earlier lifespan, a detail that hadn’t gone unnoticed among Air Max fanatics over the years.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
Her 22nd book comes out in February, and her fans are fanatics.

— Megan O’Sullivan, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of fanatic

Browse Nearby Words

mania

maniac

maniacal

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Style

“Maniac.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniac. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of maniac

noun

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