maniacal

adjective

mə-ˈnī-ə-kəl How to pronounce maniacal (audio)
variants also maniac
Definition of maniacalnext
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

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 maniacal Gilmore said before unleashing a maniacal laugh. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026 Gregg saw the maniacal work ethic again in 2020, when the world shut down to contain COVID-19. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 9 June 2026 Bardem is captivating and formidable, grinning with maniacal glee at his every act of depravity and the fear and anguish of his victims. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 June 2026 The two auteurs share a flair for spinning societal critique into maniacal physical comedy. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniacal
  1. psychotic
  2. insane
  3. mad
  4. crazy
  5. mental
Adjective
  • Prosecutors, meanwhile, contend Clancy intentionally planned the killings and was not acting under the effects of a psychotic break, according to the AP.
    — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • The Drug Enforcement Administration says kratom produces stimulant effects in low doses and sedative effects in high doses, and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence.
    — Jake Rosenwasser, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of psychotic
Adjective
  • To see that journey completely through to the end has been insane.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • The stupidity and greed of the status quo threatens to drive her insane.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • The popularity of those films has set off a mad hunt to unearth the next Parsons or Barker.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Trump got mad enough at Graham to release the senator’s personal cellphone number.
    — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of mad
Adjective
  • Emiliano Martinez kept a foul-crazy Argentina in it with multiple saves — though many were fairly straightforward — with the 2022 world champions not managing a shot until the 117th minute.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Still crazy enough to do something dumb, but mature enough to curb your impulses.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of crazy
Adjective
  • The other bill proposed requiring alcohol, drug and mental wellness checks for all Kansas judges.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The father refused to participate, but his son provided insight into his father’s mental state.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of mental

Browse Nearby Words

maniac
maniacal
maniacs
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Cite this Entry

“Maniacal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniacal. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of maniacal for Spanish Speakers

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