variants
also maniac
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
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Recent Examples of maniacal
What's even more disturbing is that the maniacal killer's mask is made of human skin, giving him the nickname Leatherface among horror fans.
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Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Huet succeeds in humanizing Daedone, who had an abusive father and a punishing childhood, and whose motivations come to seem understandable, if maniacal.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Veneziale then takes part in the action, dressing up as a maniacal clown.
—Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
Might the delivery and direction have been more raw, more disturbing — maybe the choice for a hint of maniacal ?
—Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maniacal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maniacal
Adjective
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However, mental health experts now warn that for a small group of vulnerable people, long and emotionally charged conversations with AI may worsen delusions or psychotic symptoms.—
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People with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder may be quiet and withdrawn for a long time, then unexpectedly slip into a psychotic episode.—
Adjective
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Or why roads and other critical infrastructure projects now take untold years and insane amounts of money to complete, and by the time they are finally opened are already rendered all but obsolete?—
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In this abjectly insane political environment that Minnesotans have created for themselves, the federal agent has about as much chance of a fair trial as the Vikings have of winning this year’s Super Bowl, which is to say, none.—
Adjective
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And everyone is mad at Andrew—though this one feels like a rumor and more reality.—
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He’s been thrown straight into a mad month, in which Chelsea have Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League fixtures.—
Adjective
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Peterson’s 30-plus point scoring output (on 8-of-18 shooting, 3-of-8 from 3, 13-15 from line) helped make possible a crazy comeback victory.—
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Or at least the craziest until Malinin began doing on ice back flips during the 2024-25 season after the International Skating Union, the sport’s global governing body, lifted a ban on the stunt.—
Adjective
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Reconcept uses music paired with specific frequencies tailored to different physical and mental needs.—
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Rusty recognized the severity of the situation and admitted her to a mental hospital.—
Cite this Entry
“Maniacal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maniacal. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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