FAD Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'fad' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fad are craze , fashion , mode , rage , style , and vogue . While all these words mean "the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date," fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion. // last year's fad is over

Q: Where would 'fashion' be a reasonable alternative to 'fad'?

Although the words fashion and fad 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

Q: When might 'mode' be a better fit than 'fad'?

While the synonyms mode and fad are close in meaning, mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated. // slim bodies are the mode at this resort

Q: How are the words 'rage' and 'craze' related as synonyms of 'fad'?

Both 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

Q: When would 'style' be a good substitute for 'fad'?

The words style and fad 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

Q: When can 'vogue' be used instead of 'fad'?

The meanings of vogue and fad largely overlap; however, vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion. // short skirts are back in vogue

fad

noun

ˈfad

Definition of fad next

as in craze

a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time once the fad for that kind of music had passed, nobody would have been caught dead listening to it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word fad distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fad are craze, fashion, mode, rage, style, and vogue. While all these words mean "the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date," fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion.

last year's fad is over

Where would fashion be a reasonable alternative to fad?

Although the words fashion and fad 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

When might mode be a better fit than fad?

While the synonyms mode and fad are close in meaning, mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated.

slim bodies are the mode at this resort

How are the words rage and craze related as synonyms of fad?

Both 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 would style be a good substitute for fad?

The words style and fad 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

When can vogue be used instead of fad?

The meanings of vogue and fad largely overlap; however, 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 fad The fad has prompted countries to promote their pepper credentials. —

Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 19 Dec. 2024 That would have made football like a hula hoop or a yo-yo, a fad that didn’t have deep roots, but instead, the passion, the fan base has grown World Cup to World Cup. —

Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Jan. 2025 As new fads emerge, some taking hold stronger than others, one thing is certain: The landscape of Charlotte’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving. —

Samantha Husted, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2025 Using rice water to promote hair health is not a new fad. —

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fad

Noun

The latest craze is a supplement called NAD, which can supposedly bring youthful-looking skin and other health benefits—but does it really?

— Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
The net was removed in August after the craze subsided.

— Chris Lau, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025