zaniness

Definition of zaninessnext

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 zaniness Adding to the mind-blowing zaniness of the piece? — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 June 2026 As was the case in the first season as well, the finale escalates to a place of thrilling zaniness, with a little less ultimate emotional gravitas this time around. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026 But the draft traditionally ratchets up quarterback zaniness. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026 Some critics found the zaniness of Bale’s ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ number (an homage to Mel Brooks comedy Young Frankenstein) hysterically brilliant, while others didn’t get the joke. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2026 Plenty of moments on The Fall-Off remind of the hunger of his early mixtapes, the purposeful thrills of his 2010s hits, or even the misguided zaniness of KOD, though none materialize in meaningful doses. — Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026 The frothy zaniness was, of course, one of Barry’s Hollywood calling cards, but there always were serious themes submerged underneath. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 The ensemble comedy garnered critical praise for its steady stream of zaniness and quickly gained a reputation for deftly skewering suburban life while still maintaining a general sweetness of tone. — Will Harris, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026 Animated by an irreverent zaniness, Egger’s poetry fuses elements drawn from contemporary idiom and from lyric tradition to render a surreal world that interrogates existential questions about desire and grief. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zaniness
Noun
  • That sentence would have sounded like insanity a few decades ago, but in the strange world of Hollywood in the 2020s, weirder might really be better.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026
  • So this is just a build-up, and there is such insanity coming.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The couple’s relationship appears to be an archetypal folie a deux, or madness of two.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Read on to see how Humm made it through the madness to open Humm, the first restaurant to bear his name.
    — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Now manufacturers are reconsidering whether that simplicity is worth the waste.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The simplicity of the shoes paired well with her crimson-red sequined and beaded ensemble that landed right at her ankles.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Use these Prime Day leftovers as a chance to restock cleaning essentials before the holiday hosting craziness begins.
    — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Jacksonville has a successful Triple-A franchise, the Jumbo Shrimp, that won its league last year, bringing fun theme nights, quirky mascots and between-inning craziness.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For all the absurdity, though, the award carries considerable weight — even if the timing is bittersweet.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
  • That obsession reached its peak of exuberant absurdity on a Friday in late July of 1995.
    — Adam Sztykiel, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Both have the kind of surrealist wackiness MSCHF is famous for.
    — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 23 Sep. 2026
  • And with those road destinations, there’s plenty of room for late-season winter weather wackiness.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 13 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zaniness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zaniness. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster