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
Some of it is gut feeling based the maniacal want Cristobal has steeled in his players.
—
Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Also in the mix were Dogbert, a maniacal schemer, and Catbert, the ruthless head of HR.
—Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 13 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
The film — about an ex-revolutionary (DiCaprio) tracking down and rescuing his daughter (Chase Infiniti) from the clutches of a maniacal army officer (Penn) — also earned Anderson a pair of Golden Globes for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Also in the mix were Dogbert, a maniacal schemer, and Catbert, the ruthless head of HR.
—Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 13 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
The film — about an ex-revolutionary (DiCaprio) tracking down and rescuing his daughter (Chase Infiniti) from the clutches of a maniacal army officer (Penn) — also earned Anderson a pair of Golden Globes for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniacal
Adjective
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While Hadari is rebranding as YH Studios, his creative voice remains unchanged, clearly influenced by Browne in his fusion of the sartorial with the slightly psychotic.—
Ari Stark,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
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At a house party full of caviar, one of the women, while immersed in a motherhood quandary, asks another if there’s something psychotic and untoward in her devouring piles of tiny eggs.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Last week, the wind-power green scam artists were back in federal court, arguing to be permitted to keep squandering billions more on those insane offshore windmills that produce next to no energy, but plenty of pollution.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
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That’s the best reaction to these stupid, insane men ruling the world now and trying to grab and dominate the world.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Pederson is something of a mad scientist with bats.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
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Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s beloved novel has been driving people mad since the project was first announced.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This is the crazy season for college hoops.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Now, Josie dances this crazy explosion in front of her.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Matcha delivers a steady boost of energy and improves mental focus through a combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
16 Feb. 2026
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From mental aspects to the game, to the development on the younger stages, everyone has a theory, but no real solution.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maniacal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniacal. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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