Synonyms for

Insane

Verb / ˌɪˈnseɪn / Another word for insane — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Insane means someone or something that is mentally ill, irrational, or extremely foolish.

Synonyms & similar words

harebrained sane mad crazy mad deranged maniacal psychotic lunatic unbalanced unhinged demented irrational absurd foolish ridiculous impractical unreasonable wild frantic frenzied hectic

Synonyms by register

Formal

mentally ill psychotic deranged unbalanced

Informal

crazy nuts bonkers bonkers bonkers

Literary

mad unhinged distraught

Antonyms

sane rational sensible logical sound lucid balanced

Common collocations

  • utterly insane
  • completely insane
  • insane asylum
  • insane idea
  • insane amount
  • insane speed
  • driving me insane

Word family

noun insanity
adjective insane
adverb insanely

Usage note

While 'insane' can refer to a clinical mental illness, it is often used informally to describe something extreme, illogical, or exciting. Be mindful of the context to avoid trivializing serious mental health conditions.

Example sentences

  1. The inmate was declared insane and sent to a mental institution.
  2. It's insane to think you can eat an entire pizza by yourself.
  3. He had an insane amount of energy after drinking three cups of coffee.
  4. The roller coaster ride was insane and made me scream.
  5. The politician's policy ideas were insane and would never work in reality.

Quotes

  • Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Albert Einstein
  • The insane, on occasion, are not without their charms. - Kurt Vonnegut
  • The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad. - Salvador Dali

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