craze 1 of 2

noun

Definition of crazenext
as in trend
a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time if history is any guide, this latest diet for losing weight is just another craze

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

craze

2 of 2

verb

ˈkrāz How to pronounce craze (audio)
as in to frenzy
to cause to go insane or as if insane horses crazed by the barn fire kicked out their stall doors as they tried to escape

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 craze
Noun
The resulting mix of mystery and mass panic would spawn a worldwide craze, leading to countless UFO reports, hoaxes and sci-fi depictions. —Mike Bezemek, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025 This simplicity and efficiency is a big part of the reason why rucking is the hottest new fitness craze. —Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 16 July 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
  1. trend
  2. frenzy
  3. latest
  4. bother
  5. vogue
  6. rage
  7. enthusiasm
  8. style
Noun
  • Even Major League Baseball hopped on the trend at Citizens Bank Park, where the Philadelphia Phillies' mascot, Phillie Phanatic, recreated the moment with a feminine version of the mascot.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • Eva Longoria opted for summer’s white hot trend at the Global Gift Gala on Sunday in Marbella, Spain.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 July 2025
Definition of trend
Verb
  • The media frenzy about GLP-1 agonists hadn't yet started.
    — Mara Gordon, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of frenzy
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
Definition of latest
Verb
  • This means that some people might not bother using them.
    — Ben Coxworth July 26, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
  • But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Definition of bother
Noun
  • Political nicknames were in vogue at the time, Cheathem adds.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 July 2025
  • Take the current vogue of AI smartphones, the Pixels were the first phones to go all-in on AI, with the Pixel 8 marketed as the first smartphone with AI built in.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of vogue
Noun
  • Tommy Jeans Cotton Linen Blend Shorts Shorts with longer inseams are all the rage this summer, so this breathable pair with an elastic waistband will be perfectly on-trend for all your upcoming travels.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025
  • Fidget spinners — the 3-inch twirling gadgets that took over classrooms and cubicles — were all the rage in 2017.
    — Michelle Chapman, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
Definition of rage
Noun
  • There is perhaps even more diversity around technology transfer, with rules, attitudes and enthusiasm varying significantly between universities.
    — Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • But its interest would set off a free-for-all among large railroads and pose a test of the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for industrial consolidation.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of enthusiasm
Noun
  • Per our testers, this shoe excels in both comfort and style.
    — Izzy Baskette, People.com, 26 July 2025
  • Note: Submissions have been edited for clarity and style.
    — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Definition of style

Browse Nearby Words

crayons
craze
crazed
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Cite this Entry

“Craze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/craze. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on craze

Nglish: Translation of craze for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about craze

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