1
as in insanity
a foolish act or idea
you want to sneak into the building after the alarm is set—what lunacy!
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dementia
a serious mental disorder that prevents one from living a safe and normal life
the judge ruled that the lunacy of the accused made him incompetent to stand trial
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in madness
lack of good sense or judgment
was it desperation or lunacy that caused him to quit his job and move to California without any plan for what to do when he got there?
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lunacy
Once upon a time, the idea of a baseball team allowing most of its games to be broadcast on television was lunacy.
—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Because it’s invariably attached to the idea of some kind of lunacy.
—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
Because it's invariably attached to the idea of some kind of lunacy.
—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Nov. 2025
Yang is genius not just for playing the easy pickins of George Santos but high-concept lunacy like a gay oompaloompa and the iceberg that sunk the Titanic.
—
Steven Zeitch,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lunacy
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Because it’s invariably attached to the idea of some kind of lunacy.
—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
Because it's invariably attached to the idea of some kind of lunacy.
—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Nov. 2025
Yang is genius not just for playing the easy pickins of George Santos but high-concept lunacy like a gay oompaloompa and the iceberg that sunk the Titanic.
—
Steven Zeitch,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lunacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lunacy
Noun
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Piggott was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a trial held a year later.
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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling for the impeachment of the Miami-Dade judge who acquitted a woman by reason of insanity in the 2021 death of her 15-month-old daughter, arguing the ruling threatens public safety.
Noun
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The lifetime cost of dementia care alone now exceeds $400,000 per person.
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However, the study was observational and does not prove that caffeine directly prevents dementia.
Noun
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In the midst of the final stretch of World Cup madness, here are eight shows happening in Kansas City in July.
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Either Cody or Gunther wins because Sami gets screwed; Zayn will then further descend into madness and attack someone after the bell.
Noun
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That’s the level of idiocy in the Los Angeles city government.
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The idiocy of these people knows no bounds.
Noun
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And the hysteria over the centers seemed to be not as much about freedom, or competing educational philosophies, or politics at all, as about an ever-shrinking pot of money.
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From causing supernatural events to creating hysteria, our orbiting nightlight has always had legends and folktales written about it.
Noun
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Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
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Fireworks, flags and BBQs are Fourth of July staples, but America’s 250th birthday brings an extra helping of absurdity to Coney Island.
Noun
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Write with simplicity and heart.
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That distinction is important because the company sees simplicity as one of its greatest strengths.
Noun
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The forecast for Thursday calls for craziness.
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Meanwhile, the Spurs had to rush off the court to avoid getting caught up in all the craziness.
Cite this Entry
“Lunacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lunacy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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