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
As the sourdough bread craze continues, more companies are producing their own loaves for shoppers to try. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 Apr. 2026 Behind the staggering number of chocolate bunnies sold each year is a centuries-old story rooted in German immigration, Pennsylvania folklore and a man’s towering milk chocolate creation that launched a national craze. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 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
  • The on-trend ballerina sneaker has a laceless exterior and slip-on velcro closure.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026
  • This week’s wellness trends highlight what’s worth your attention and what may not live up to the hype.
    Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • These latests features are designed for enterprises who want to integrate their AI technology with either existing Salesforce data or even their own data.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Heat’s third matchup of the season against the Raptors didn’t go well either, as Toronto’s length on the defensive end again bothered Miami.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Along the way, Melton strained his left thumb — and that clearly bothered him.
    Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The direct-flash look is in vogue right now, and smartphones can't match it, which is one reason compact cameras are suddenly back in demand.
    Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Housing market suffers historic reversion to the mean Formerly sizzling metro areas have gone cold, and the unsexy plodders are back in vogue.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But what do designers think about the resurgence of the heavily curtained look, which was all the rage in the 1980s?
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Uthmeier has also gone out of his way to weaken criminal cases that don’t dovetail with his philosophy, including an Orlando road-rage case where a man was shot to death.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Great cast members display an infectious enthusiasm that inspires visitors to want to get into their load row and onto that boat and sit down as swiftly as possible.
    Robert Niles, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Thus began a series of responses that suggested perhaps his enthusiasm is in jest — or maybe not?
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Invictus Games are a Paralympic-style competition for wounded and recovering service members and veterans from around the world.
    Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Your graceful style helps people open up, while clear boundaries stop you from overgiving to keep the peace.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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