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

But don’t let the cute style fool you—this look is super practical, too.

— Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
However, reinventing Beethoven at the Bowl, doing so following Dudamel and with little rehearsal time, could easily become a fool’s errand.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of fool

Noun

In 2019, when Altamirano was mayor pro tem, a council member accused Altamirano of sucker-punching him.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
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

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

During the monthly programs, yarn enthusiasts can work on their own knit, crochet or other yarn art project in a group setting, according to a press release from the district.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
The country remains a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts due to its Amazon Rainforest and incredible salt flats.

— Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of enthusiast

Browse Nearby Words

mania

maniac

maniacal

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Maniac.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniac. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of maniac

noun

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