craze 1 of 2

craze

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word craze distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of craze are fad, fashion, mode, rage, style, and vogue. While all these words mean "the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date," rage and craze stress intense enthusiasm in adopting a fad.

Cajun food was the rage nearly everywhere for a time
crossword puzzles once seemed just a passing craze but have lasted

When is fad a more appropriate choice than craze?

The meanings of fad and craze largely overlap; however, fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion.

last year's fad is over

When is it sensible to use fashion instead of craze?

Although the words fashion and craze have much in common, fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place.

the current fashion

In what contexts can mode take the place of craze?

In some situations, the words mode and craze are roughly equivalent. However, mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated.

slim bodies are the mode at this resort

When can style be used instead of craze?

The words style and craze are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, style often implies a distinctive fashion adopted by people of taste.

a media baron used to traveling in style

Where would vogue be a reasonable alternative to craze?

While in some cases nearly identical to craze, vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion.

short skirts are back in vogue

Examples 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 craze
Noun
Pelicans were disappearing at an alarming rate because of the bird hat craze at the turn of the 19th century (they were targeted for their feathers). Kara Franker, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 New Workouts for Flexibility, Strength, and Pickleball Pickleball is the biggest workout craze of the moment, and Apple is joining the fun. Andrew Gebhart, PCMAG, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
The exclamatory marketing epitomizes the desire of folks to post filtered photos of themselves on social media, connecting with millions who craze this basic connection to some semblance of the art world. Natasha Gural, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2021 Anderson is one of a select few managers from whom La Russa learned, although that was supplemented by his interest in statistics well before the sabermetrics craze. Mark Gonzales, chicagotribune.com, 29 Oct. 2020 See all Example Sentences for craze 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for craze
Noun
  • The retail and consumer sectors weren't immune to this trend.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Take this as your sign to stock up on what will surely be the top fashion trends of 2025 — inspired by celebrities.
    Taylor Jean Stephan, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In season six, these controversies extended to the way the show depicted Mohamed Al-Fayed, all but accusing him of setting up the paparazzi frenzy that led to the deaths of Diana and his son, Dodi.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 15 June 2024
  • During the media frenzy the then-21-year-old held a press conference, delivering a heartfelt resignation speech.
    Janine Rubenstein, Peoplemag, 27 July 2024
Noun
  • The latests deaths included three residents of long-term care facilities in Dallas, as well as a Balch Springs man in his 20s and a Dallas man in his 60s.
    Dana Branham, Dallas News, 30 Apr. 2020
  • That equates to more than 45 million Americans using CBD products, based on latest available U.S. Census estimates.
    Brendan Bures, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2019
Verb
  • The latter group ultimately just couldn’t be bothered to get off their couches.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Vlasic is not bothered by this but does have a suggestion for the NHL.
    Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Neutrality about dressing political figures may be becoming more in vogue, or maybe designers are just busy.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Buckle-front Cardigan $40 at Amazon From bows to buckles, unconventional cardigan closures are in vogue right now.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • California officials apologized after millions of residents in Los Angeles County were alarmed by a false alert to evacuate as wildfires rage.
    Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Creamy fizzy drinks have become all the rage in the last several years.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Employees don’t necessarily reduce their work output, but their enthusiasm fades, their curiosity dwindles, and their emotional connection to their work diminishes.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • On the other hand, high-energy dogs, such as the playful companion in the viral video, often fail to recognize when their enthusiasm is not reciprocated.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The ensuing preview features a wild mash-up of visual styles, from trippy digital collage to dancing AI bubble people, photo montage, found footage, nature visuals and animation.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Jan. 2025
  • After cementing its reputation in the shoe world — with the aforementioned styles driving buzz and sales — the brand is ready to expand its offer.
    Martino Carrera, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near craze

Cite this Entry

“Craze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/craze. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on craze

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!