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 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 The president as a maniacal urban planner is a white-knuckle ride, with Washington — and Washingtonians — just holding on for dear life. — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 One imagines the narrator of the Proclaimers’ most maniacal hit undertaking their 500-mile journey with a double dose of Vyvanse. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 Erling Haaland, Norway’s large, maniacal striker, has several exceedingly Norwegian traits. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniacal
  1. psychotic
  2. insane
  3. mad
  4. crazy
  5. mental
Adjective
  • The defense argued that Bland had a psychotic episode due to a COVID infection.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • The experience in question was a psychotic break that Murray endured in 2017 after spending several months involved with a wellness cult, coming to believe herself capable of powerful healing abilities.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 June 2026
Definition of psychotic
Adjective
  • For example, Fred Again is absolutely doing insane things with the MPC Lives.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2026
  • That dwarfs anything the powerhouse Spain teams did in the early 2010s, when the team was known for stringing together an insane number of passes that led to a goal.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • Getting mad about missing out on signing Anfernee Simons won’t change that.
    — Nick Friedell, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • When World Cup season descends upon soccer-mad Brazil, green and yellow banners decorate restaurants, bars and apartment buildings, streets are painted with flags and soccer balls, and discussions of the beloved national team's games are ubiquitous.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of mad
Adjective
  • That crazy gorgeous Bad Man Blue, and something Harley has called Inferno Gray with Wet Slide Graphics.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • But in addition to these crazy moments and plots, what the World Cup does every four years is put a bright spotlight on the best soccer players in the world.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026
Definition of crazy
Adjective
  • This approach is crucial for mitigating downsides and enhancing the benefits of AI for societal mental well-being.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • These holistic mental and physical wellness itineraries incorporate spa treatments and mindfulness modalities such as forest bathing and meditation, private pilates and yoga classes, and food made with organic, sustainable ingredients.
    — Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on maniacal

Nglish: Translation of maniacal for Spanish Speakers

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