1
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
2
as in lover
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something
I'm a maniac for anything flavored with peppermint
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of maniac
However, unexpected and decidedly unwelcome guests keep turning up, including Beau’s brother, and a man who might be a homicidal maniac.
—
Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
Maybe civil war could’ve been avoided this time around, too, had Xander not been such an anti-ghoul maniac.
—Jack King, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
That was the only understated thing this certified maniac said or did all night long.
—Ew Staff December 5, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
Haunted Trail takes visitors outdoors through a path with dense fog and several haunting installations with zombies, a ghoul bus, a graveyard filled with ghosts, chainsaw maniacs and more.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maniac
Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2026
Maybe civil war could’ve been avoided this time around, too, had Xander not been such an anti-ghoul maniac.
—Jack King, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
That was the only understated thing this certified maniac said or did all night long.
—Ew Staff December 5, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
Haunted Trail takes visitors outdoors through a path with dense fog and several haunting installations with zombies, a ghoul bus, a graveyard filled with ghosts, chainsaw maniacs and more.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maniac
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniac
Noun
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Friends with a sudden devotion to nature begin making plans to convene in parks; TurboTax becomes your closest email companion; your risk of injury at the hands of a lunatic on a City Bike, haunted by the memory of a New Year’s resolution to exercise, may increase.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
25 Mar. 2026
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio wasn’t far behind, saying the war is being waged against religious lunatics.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But her lover, the increasingly controlling and unhinged army corporal Don José, is gradually dimished to lurking in the shadows and hiding in crowds.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
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Her lover, Cavaradossi, is accused of helping an enemy of the state, and is framed by a corrupt and violent police chief, Baron Scarpia.—
Courtney Lewis,
Florida Times-Union,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Any one of 162 games is less a sample size than a glance, and fool’s gold is ever present.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
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Don’t let the recent rain fool you.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The little sucker can roam about freely, with the actor onto whose body Thing is but one piece (Victor Dorobantu) chroma-keyed out of the shot.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2026
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Non-native species like grass carp and common carp, and native blue sucker, bigmouth buffalo, black buffalo, and smallmouth buffalo, have occasionally been mistaken for black carp.—
Cheyenne Derksen,
Oklahoman,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Stimulus from the One Big Beautiful Bill in 2025 is projected to goose growth, with lower regulations and a boost in tax refunds that could help consumers cope with elevated prices.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
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People decorated chicken, goose, duck and ostrich eggs, and other natural materials, such as wood.—
Elaine Rewolinski,
jsonline.com,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Photos highlight artist performances, fan reactions and standout moments from the Main Stage, Worldwide Stage, Megastructure, The Cove, Live Stage, UMF Radio and Oasis, with major sets from Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Carl Cox, Armin Van Buuren and others drawing some of the day’s biggest crowds.—
Miami Herald newsroom,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
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In the decades since the Dodgers switched coasts, dozens of pro sports teams have changed cities, and for many fans, the experience is devastating.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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California campgrounds are known for their beautiful landscapes, accessible amenities and ability to make any patron into a nature enthusiast.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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The video that revealed their commercial airline travel was first obtained by Nick Benson, an aviation enthusiast and activist with MN 50501, a grassroots group involved in anti-ICE and No Kings protests.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said radical religious fanatics leading Iran can’t be trusted with a nuclear weapon after attacking embassies and hotels during the war.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
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Attention discounted shoe shopping fanatics.—
Olivia Evans,
Louisville Courier Journal,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maniac.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniac. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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