craze 1 of 2

Definition of crazenext
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
Published over two years in 19 installments, The Pickwick Papers launched a craze for serialized fiction. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026 In 2000, Stewart was cast as popular Marvel comic-book character Professor Xavier in X-Men, one of the flagship superhero movies that heralded the modern-day craze. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
The pastry problem is one of several recent examples of social media crazes. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 If the lenses are badly crazed, meaning marred by microscopic cracks in the lens surface, or moisture is trapped inside the housing, replacement is the better option. — John Paul, The Providence Journal, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for craze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for craze
Noun
  • In fact, strawberries and cream is a major color trend for fall 2026—and the easiest way to try it yourself is to add red shoes to your look.
    — Alex Sales, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The dress, from Ashi Studio’s fall 2026 couture collection, was an on-trend departure from the usual leopard and zebra.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • In fact, the movie doesn’t even bother revealing Fang’s ultimate fate; but then again, he’s been fully vindicated in the court of public opinion, so who cares?
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Nothing shows the world that the outside noise doesn’t bother you quite like preparing a statement ahead of time about how much the outside noise doesn’t bother you.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 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
Noun
  • When the boots took over pop culture in the ’00s, skinny jeans were in vogue.
    — Rosana Lai, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Downey vogues as the pair walks in the video, while Pascal sticks out his tongue and laughs.
    — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There’s definitely a strain of rage that runs through dark comedy, which suggests the Oscar-winning director is still in touch with his inner Clash-loving firebrand.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Guilt, suffering, and justified rage all loom large in Godzilla Minus Zero, and though this is science-fiction, Yamazaki is also keyed in to the real-life underpinnings of his fictional characters’ feelings.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Splitter voiced consistent enthusiasm about Wilson’s growth from game to game.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Iommi’s key plans for his new lineup and record were to make sure the players brought a healthy dose of enthusiasm.
    — Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Set on 600 acres at the mouth of the Bedwell River, the off-grid retreat is known for its 25 safari-style canvas tents, cedar-plank boardwalks, and wilderness adventures.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, Avila rose to notoriety during his time at Saint Louis and Indiana State due to his play style and signature goggles.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Craze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/craze. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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