1
as in lunatics
a person judged to be legally or medically insane
they should permanently put away the maniac who is responsible for these kidnappings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in lovers
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something
I'm a maniac for anything flavored with peppermint
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 maniacs
Because Sidney Prescott, now Evans, exists only in relationship to Ghostface, the costume worn by many different knife-wielding maniacs over the years, starting with her high school boyfriend.
—
Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 3 Mar. 2026
Because Sidney Prescott, now Evans, exists only in relationship to Ghostface, the costume worn by many different knife-wielding maniacs over the years, starting with her high school boyfriend.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Haunted Trail takes visitors outdoors through a path with dense fog and several haunting installations with zombies, a ghoul bus, a graveyard filled with ghosts, chainsaw maniacs and more.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 3 Mar. 2026
Because Sidney Prescott, now Evans, exists only in relationship to Ghostface, the costume worn by many different knife-wielding maniacs over the years, starting with her high school boyfriend.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Haunted Trail takes visitors outdoors through a path with dense fog and several haunting installations with zombies, a ghoul bus, a graveyard filled with ghosts, chainsaw maniacs and more.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniacs
Noun
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio wasn’t far behind, saying the war is being waged against religious lunatics.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The danger is in doing nothing as theocratic lunatics continue to weaponize with atomic bombs and modern missile delivery systems.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For more advice on keeping your pets happy, healthy and safe through every season, visit USA TODAY Pets, your destination for expert advice, heartwarming stories and the latest news for animal lovers.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Some, like Chloe’s triad, are all lovers.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As Rose’s impoverished yet imperious mother Ruth, Parson’s dry deliveries offer great comic ballast to this ship of fools.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
-
McGinn sets high standards in training and during games and does not suffer fools.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Head coach Rob Edwards walked into a club in November with fans in revolt, players and coaches being booed and owners being told to leave.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
After the game, Bauer returned the favor for those at the Pennsylvania ballpark, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans after entering his name into the Ducks’ record books.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Keep in mind that trumpet vines can become invasive by self-seeding and sending up suckers, so allocate ample space.—
Sheryl Geerts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Apr. 2026
-
When pruning orange trees, focus on dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and getting rid of upright suckers that drain the tree’s energy.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Fitness enthusiasts kicked off the final day of the draft with the PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K, which raced around all of the NFL draft sites in the city.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Right Away Secondhand enthusiasts have a strong opinion that grabbing a cart or basket immediately upon setting foot into a thrift store will lead to bad luck while shopping.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, the Duffer Brothers were early film fanatics, reportedly creating their first feature film in the fourth grade.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Does anyone really think Maura Healey and Markey are Dunkin Donuts fanatics?—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maniacs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniacs. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
