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

Relevance

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

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
As a Spurs fan, I was particularly invested in Campbell in an England shirt and recall charging around the living room like a lunatic before the reality that it had been chalked off hit home.

— The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 18 June 2026

Definition of lunatic

Noun

For dessert, there’s a delicious coconut cake or, for the chocolate lovers, a fancy sort of s’mores cake.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
That Lane, an animal lover who excels at cracking open crazy stories with humor, heart, and a litany of perspectives, would follow Flaco is no surprise.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 July 2026

Definition of lover

Noun

There was simply no reason to try to match that; and Bogaerts would have been a fool not to accept it.

— Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
And coming back with a movie that has anywhere near the impact of No Way Home’s untoppable uniting of Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Holland would seem a fool’s errand.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Definition of fool

Noun

Locate the Suckers Before you get started, find the plant’s main stems, which will have many secondary shoots or leaves, called suckers, growing off of them.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026
And to die would have been a sucker’s dream, but this is a skull game chump and the past cannot help no man.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026

Definition of sucker

Noun

They were provided by a speedy and adventurous black squirrel, who spent the better part of an inning on and around the playing field and at one point led an army of ground crew members on a wild goose — uh, squirrel — chase in right field.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
The shows featured a continuous storyline surrounding her string of black pearls being lost and found, sending her on a goose chase that began with The Nanny and continued into Can’t Hurry Love, Murphy Brown and High Society.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Definition of goose

Noun

That May 29 email described a lottery system for GMCVB board members, who would have the chance to receive a ticket in a draw that was expected to be popular for World Cup matches attracting soccer fans from around the world.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Chiefs president Mark Donovan is hoping fans who plan to attend a training-camp practice will use the team’s app and turn on notifications.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of fan

Noun

However, with a little special attention and care, a plant enthusiast can add some very unique plants to their collection.

— Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026
Now, winemakers and enthusiasts are worried about the economic impact on some of the country's finest products, most notably, renowned reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

— Martina Di Licosa, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of enthusiast

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 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of maniac

noun

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