variants
also maniac
as in psychotic
unable to think in a clear or sensible way
The show's maniacal villain has no method to his madness.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of maniacal
Clearly, a straight line can be drawn from Lola to Moira Rose, the maniacal former soap-opera star, wig enthusiast, and erratic wife/mom on Schitt’s Creek (for which Catherine won an Emmy and a Golden Globe).
—
Merrill Markoe, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
While these names are synonymous with game-time greatness, they’re also remembered for their near-maniacal approach to preparation.
—Shani Harmon, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Some of it is gut feeling based the maniacal want Cristobal has steeled in his players.
—Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
O’Connell goes all in on maniacal Sir Jimmy while Fiennes eats up needle drops like a demon.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Merrill Markoe, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
While these names are synonymous with game-time greatness, they’re also remembered for their near-maniacal approach to preparation.
—Shani Harmon, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Some of it is gut feeling based the maniacal want Cristobal has steeled in his players.
—Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
O’Connell goes all in on maniacal Sir Jimmy while Fiennes eats up needle drops like a demon.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniacal
Adjective
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Philip Seymour Hoffman played him on Broadway as a near-psychotic, his philandering very much to blame for the fall of his elder son, Biff.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
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Less commonly, some people experience psychotic symptoms, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, paranoia, confusion or emotional distress.—
Hollis Karoly,
The Conversation,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In an insane society, this is a project of years, not weeks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
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If jurors do decide that Fahim was insane at the time of the killings, he would likely be sent to a state hospital for mental health treatment.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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With the greatest opening day crowd in the history of Atlanta and the Southern league cheering in a mad, thunderous crescendo, the Atlanta Crackers reached something approaching an apogee of playing perfection yesterday to turn back the Knoxville Smokies, 9 to 0.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
17 Apr. 2026
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The president of the United States is stark-raving mad.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Close bag, then, using a rolling pin, gently pound asparagus until some pieces are broken up and some remain intact (don’t go too crazy).—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Apr. 2026
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This was hooping of the highest order, quite possibly the best game of the NBA season if not the craziest.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Network is the story of veteran news anchor Howard Beale’s (Peter Finch) on-air mental breakdown, a decline that is exploited by executives at the Union Broadcasting System.—
Debby Wolfinsohn,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
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Dialysis takes a massive physical and mental toll.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maniacal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniacal. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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