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

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
One of the primary criticisms of the data center construction craze has been its environmental effect, including the facilities’ impact on water, land, and electricity use. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026 Zaxbys joined the snack wrap craze last year with its Chicken Finger Tacos and Giant Chicken Finger Wraps, which were part of the Asian Zensation lineup. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Irish actress is crazed as Mary, demure as Ida and a force of nature as the Bride, rocking a bright orange dress and a black veil in her white coif. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026 Much like previous financial crazes around meme stocks and NFTs, true believers view prediction markets through a stick-it-to-the-man prism. Bobby Allyn, NPR, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for craze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for craze
Noun
  • Chandeliers are Timeless Trendy statement lights tend to have a short shelf life, and the French often embrace interior design trends through accessories like art rather than fixtures.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Now, local leaders and realtors are hoping that outreach and education for potential Black buyers could be the key to reversing the trend.
    Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 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
  • With Minnesota viewing them as soft, the Nuggets hardly seem bothered by the criticism.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Fuqua and Logan can’t be bothered to figure it out.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Osmon notes that critics called the music working-class rock before heartland rock came into vogue; the terms are sometimes treated as interchangeable, but heartland rock is in much wider use.
    Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • That’s also the trademark of Courtney (Balenciaga) Washington, a choreographer from the worlds of competition dance and vogue ballrooms.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Before his trial, Hitchcock pulled back his confession and said his brother, Richard Hitchcock — Cindy’s stepfather — killed the girl in a fit of rage after discovering James Hitchcock and the girl willingly in bed together.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Over 150 wildfires rage across Georgia and Florida as scientists point to drought, gusty winds, and dead trees from Hurricane Helene as key factors amplifying fire threat.
    Emilie Megnien, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On the heels of this enthusiasm, Manus, on March 5, 2025, released an AI tool that took the tech to the next level, from generating ideas to autonomously completing tasks.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Oliver, a New York Times bestselling author who previously worked with Henry Winkler on the Hank Zipzer series, was moved by Hawn's enthusiasm.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In scenes where Yura remembers her childhood and its connection to the beast, the animation takes on a gauzier, more primitive style that matches the film’s more cosmic, oceanic themes.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 1 May 2026
  • For major criminals, the city seemed to offer not only impunity but also sunshine, an easy life style, and safety.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Craze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/craze. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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