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.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of maniacal
As the song reached the second appearance of the controversial lyric, Michael went from maniacal anger back to smoothly singing the new lines.
—
Dan Beck, Variety, 21 Oct. 2025
Plus, Jeremiah had to still be winded by busting out that extended dance remix of his maniacal villain laugh from back on the beach.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
In a desperate attempt to stop The Entity, President Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett) locates Ethan, who is now a rogue agent, and asks him to achieve the impossible by finding a way to shut the maniacal AI down.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The highlight of the maze was the children’s bedroom scene with moving furniture and a maniacal clown sliding out from underneath the bed.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Dan Beck, Variety, 21 Oct. 2025
Plus, Jeremiah had to still be winded by busting out that extended dance remix of his maniacal villain laugh from back on the beach.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
In a desperate attempt to stop The Entity, President Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett) locates Ethan, who is now a rogue agent, and asks him to achieve the impossible by finding a way to shut the maniacal AI down.
—Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The highlight of the maze was the children’s bedroom scene with moving furniture and a maniacal clown sliding out from underneath the bed.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniacal
Adjective
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However, mental health experts now warn that for a small group of vulnerable people, long and emotionally charged conversations with AI may worsen delusions or psychotic symptoms.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Jan. 2026
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People with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may be quiet and withdrawn for a long time, then unexpectedly slip into a psychotic episode.—
Kat McGowan,
NPR,
31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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His votes, like his tattoos, just weren’t insane enough anymore.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
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His voice messages of songs are amazing and insane.—
Kristin Robinson,
Billboard,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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And everyone is mad at Andrew—though this one feels like a rumor and more reality.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
7 Jan. 2026
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He’s been thrown straight into a mad month, in which Chelsea have Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League fixtures.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Peterson’s 30-plus point scoring output (on 8-of-18 shooting, 3-of-8 from 3, 13-15 from line) helped make possible a crazy comeback victory.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
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Or at least the craziest until Malinin began doing on ice back flips during the 2024-25 season after the International Skating Union, the sport’s global governing body, lifted a ban on the stunt.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Industry pushback and innovation concerns Some tech companies argue that such regulation could stifle innovation, limit beneficial uses of conversational AI (education, mental-health support for older teens) or impose heavy compliance burdens.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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Regular exercise can prevent the physical and mental impacts of SWSD.—
Pamela Assid,
Verywell Health,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maniacal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniacal. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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