TREND Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'trend' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of trend are current , drift , tendency , and tenor . While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course. // the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

Q: When can 'current' be used instead of 'trend'?

In some situations, the words current and trend are roughly equivalent. However, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course. // an encounter that changed the current of my life

Q: When is 'drift' a more appropriate choice than 'trend'?

The synonyms drift and trend are sometimes interchangeable, but drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse. // the drift of the population away from large cities // got the drift of her argument

Q: When might 'tendency' be a better fit than 'trend'?

The words tendency and trend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force. // a general tendency toward inflation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'tenor' instead of 'trend'?

The meanings of tenor and trend largely overlap; however, tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course. // the tenor of the times

trend 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrend

Definition of trend next

as in tide

a prevailing or general movement or inclination according to the survey, there's a growing trend for companies to run their own day-care centers for the benefit of employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in craze

a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time still had a coat from the last trend for fake fur, when the material lined everything from boots to coats to bracelets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trend

2 of 2

verb

as in to tend

to show a liking or proneness (for something) during the winter our school system trends toward canceling school at the drop of a hat—or at least a snowflake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to curve

to turn away from a straight line or course the river trends east, then west again, forming an oxbow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straighten

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trend different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of trend are current, drift, tendency, and tenor. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

When can current be used instead of trend?

In some situations, the words current and trend are roughly equivalent. However, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When is drift a more appropriate choice than trend?

The synonyms drift and trend are sometimes interchangeable, but drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities

got the drift of her argument

When might tendency be a better fit than trend?

The words tendency and trend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

When is it sensible to use tenor instead of trend?

The meanings of tenor and trend largely overlap; however, tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

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 trend

Noun

Fueling the recent run is promising earnings trends and an upbeat outlook for 2025, helped by store closures, cost cuts and a new CEO. —

Sara Salinas, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025 Bailey Berg is a freelance travel writer and editor, who covers breaking news, trends, tips, transportation, sustainability, the outdoors, and more. —

Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 14 Feb. 2025

Verb

There are two caveats here — that these metrics are loosely (negatively) correlated, and the goal-kick law change ahead of 2019-20 facilitated more short build-up — but City have been trending towards more risk-averse approaches under Guardiola for years. —

Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025 While costs vary by location, the listings give shoppers a general idea of where to find the best deals and how prices are trending. —

Mike Winters, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for trend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trend

Noun

The ceremony also turned the tide for Conclave, a co-production made with funding from both the United States and the United Kingdom, with Best Film, Outstanding British Film, and Best Adapted Screenplay awards.

— Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2025
But polls indicate the tide could be turning on the Democrats in the Golden State.

— Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025