as in frantically
in a confused and reckless manner
the familiar scene in horror movies where everyone runs berserk as the monster destroys everything in sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ballistic
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
variants
or berserker
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of berserk
Chris Richards, Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2023
The bounce is outrageous, the handclaps are berserk, and Myaap is as restless as ever, even rapping through the soaring chorus when most would just use it as a breather.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2023
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
This annual meteor shower tends to go berserk every 33 years, but sadly, the next bonanza isn't due until 2032-33, according to Sky At Night.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for berserk
Adjective
Which, of course, drove the audience completely berserk.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2023
The bounce is outrageous, the handclaps are berserk, and Myaap is as restless as ever, even rapping through the soaring chorus when most would just use it as a breather.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2023
Noun
What followed was a moment of berserk that spiraled into this career-altering incident.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
This annual meteor shower tends to go berserk every 33 years, but sadly, the next bonanza isn't due until 2032-33, according to Sky At Night.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for berserk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for berserk
Adverb
-
Footage captures the chaotic initial response, with officers unsure if the shooter remained in the building and frantically searching for victims.—
Kimberlee Kruesi,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, as influential tech journalist Casey Newton noted, TikTok’s algorithm seemed to fail immediately after the handover, leaving its largely Gen Z fanbase frantically seeking an alternative to the addictive feed.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And many people are gonna go ballistic in Brazil.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
10 Feb. 2026
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Police said officers shot the suspect and his grandmother during the gunfight, and that the suspect also hit one officer in the ballistic vest.—
Chase Rogers,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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All of the daring and courage of the Golden Age films about cowboys, fighters, pilots, and pirates is distilled into the score for the first Indiana Jones movie.—
Alex Galbraith,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Feb. 2026
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Prescott's downtown area adds the perfect southwest charm and history and was even the stomping grounds of famed cowboy Doc Holiday.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Her wildly optimistic logic is that fiscal stimulus will spark growth, and that the private sector will raise long-stagnant wages, thereby increasing tax revenues.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
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The year was 1971, the HUD secretary was George Romney (father of future Utah senator Mitt), and the prediction was wildly off.—
Ben Christopher,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Iran has insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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Trump, in particular, noted his administration changed the name of the Defense Department back to the War Department, boosted federal spending for military families, bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities, and conducted the Maduro operation in Venezuela.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The diners, much like the audience during the opening scene for director Verbinski’s ambitious satire on this existential threat to humanity, have no idea how this madman raging against the AI machine in an LA eatery would save the world.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
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The 3 conditions for madman success The madman theory has historical roots going back to Machiavelli, but it is most closely associated with Richard Nixon, who, as incoming president, reportedly used the term to explain his approach to trying to force North Vietnam’s surrender in the Vietnam War.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
26 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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The Edge Spa, perched on the side of a precipice overlooking Alexander Creek, showcases ingredients grown or wild-harvested on site.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
10 Dec. 2025
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Most of the region's black walnuts are currently wild-foraged and sold by the pound at local hulling centers.—
Randy Moll,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Senate, a popular gourmet hot dog joint with an outpost in Over-the-Rhine, is closing its Blue Ash restaurant.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Feb. 2026
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When night falls, head back to the food truck for a smashburger, jumbo hot dog, or one of the vegetarian options.—
Jenny Willden,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Berserk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/berserk. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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