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craze

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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

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
Two years ago, OpenAI launched the chatbot craze with the release of ChatGPT. Cade Metz, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Apple ‘s stock appears to have missed out on the latest leg of the artificial intelligence craze. Jesse Pound, CNBC, 23 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
  • Chinese travel trends China has been working on some innovative ways to get around – from the prototype for what could be the world’s fastest high-speed train to robot legs to make mountain-climbing easier.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
  • At its core is Alice, an advanced AI guide that provides 24/7 personalized support while continuously analyzing real-time data from thousands of colleges, admissions trends, and student outcomes.
    Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 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 devil will persist in bothering Martin Luther until the bald-headed monk dispatches him by hurling a bottle of ink.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Imagine if the press covered all of that without bothering to even question it.
    Jeremy Gruber, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But let their arrests hopefully serve notice to others armed and prowling Chicago’s streets in search of victims that law and order is in vogue again. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Deadline also got a sneak peek at the streamers’ roster of top-10 non-English-language shows of 2024 and YA was the genre in vogue.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Lululemon Scuba Oversized Side-Slit Hoodie $118 $69 at Lululemon According to my teenager, this oversized Scuba hoodie is all the rage at school for one specific reason: the prominent Lululemon logo on the hood, which is the star of the show.
    Chaunie Brusie, RN, Parents, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Thomas Kienzle | Afp | Getty Images Graham’s comments come as debate rages over the substance of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which Trump announced last week, and what a deal could entail.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The unexpected uptick in inflation could dampen some of the business enthusiasm that arose after Trump's election on promises to reduce regulation and cut taxes.
    CHRISTOPHER RUGABER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Many of the nation’s sheriffs have responded with enthusiasm.
    Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Post-Season Pick ($16.99) comes with 10 wings any style, curly fries, and a Pepsi or Bud Light for $16.99.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The Green Tile Social Club game follows the Hong Kong style of play.
    Claire Turrell, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near craze

Cite this Entry

“Craze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/craze. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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