craze 1 of 2

Definition of crazenext

craze

2 of 2

verb

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
At the time of the interview Friday afternoon, Hendricks had not joined the craze. Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026 The jewel of Lošinj is Čikat Bay (chee-kaht), a sparkling tongue of water surrounded by a forest of Aleppo pines planted during the Hapsburg health craze, when Lošinj was first established as a satellite resort for the Opatija set. Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026
Verb
The recent release of the collection in Chanel stores even crazed a fashion frenzy in Paris as devote accessory lovers fought to ge their hands on a pair of Blazy’s high-vamp creations. Morgan Evans, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026 Did someone repaint the mechanical horses for children one too many times and now their eyes look crazed? Xuan Juliana Wang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for craze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for craze
Noun
  • In fossil fuel extraction zones — the Permian Basin in Texas, the Bakken fields of North Dakota, oil regions across the Middle East — lights flicker violently in sync with drilling booms and busts, bearing little relation to broader economic trends.
    Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Around four years ago, Kevin Bowles and the Minnesota Wild food and beverage team noticed a trend of beer bats at baseball games.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The latests stats mean AI music has exploded by 650% in 16 months.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The latests forecasts show a new round of storm systems will increase rain chances across much of Northern California and the Central Valley in the coming days.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now the dog is back to bothering her brother and showing off her sassy personality.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • This is a nakedly partisan power grab, and state officials haven’t really bothered to deny it.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Enterprise software back in vogue?
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 11 May 2026
  • Leiomy first shot to fame voguing on YouTube and made history as part of the first vogue dance team on America’s Next Best Dance Crew.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • High protein diets are all the rage nowadays—and for good reason.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 May 2026
  • Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • However, there is broad consensus that the surge, fueled by enthusiasm around artificial intelligence, can’t last forever and California must address its structural deficit, with spending outpacing revenue collection.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026
  • The morning kicked off with a burst of energy from special guests who highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for hands-on product experiences and quality verification, while the afternoon took on a festive air with lively appearances and crowd engagement.
    Lucy Jones May 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • While Kendrick Lamar was conquering the hip-hop world, Rashad was honing an introspective style inspired by Southern hip-hop pioneers like Lil Wayne and OutKast.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • And, if bright white pants aren’t your thing, keep reading for off-white styles inspired by Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Craze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/craze. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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