Synonyms for

Lunatic

Verb / ˈlu:nʌˌtɪk / Another word for lunatic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A person who is mentally ill, especially one who is crazy or behaves in an extreme way.

Synonyms & similar words

daredevil moonstruck harumscarum maniac madman madcap swashbuckler hothead madman maniac psychopath nutcase loony crackpot loon headcase schizophrenic deranged madwoman psychotic crazy bonkers

Synonyms by register

Formal

mentally ill insane deranged unbalanced

Informal

crazy bonkers nuts loony batty

Literary

moonstruck maniacal frenzied

Antonyms

sane rational sensible balanced lucid sober prudent

Common collocations

  • raving lunatic
  • certifiable lunatic
  • utter lunatic
  • complete lunatic
  • acting like a lunatic
  • accused of being a lunatic
  • dismissed as a lunatic

Word family

noun lunatic
adjective lunatic

Usage note

The word 'lunatic' is often considered offensive and outdated when referring to mental illness. It is more commonly used informally to describe someone acting wildly or irrationally.

Example sentences

  1. The man was acting like a lunatic and scaring people.
  2. The lunatic was locked up in a hospital for his own safety.
  3. The driver was a lunatic, swerving in and out of traffic.
  4. The lunatic's behavior was unpredictable and dangerous.
  5. The villagers thought she was a lunatic because she talked to animals.

Quotes

  • I think I'm a lunatic with periods of sanity.
  • I'm not a lunatic. I'm a businessman.
  • I'm not a lunatic. I'm a visionary.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words