Synonyms of fad

fad

noun

ˈfad 

as in craze

a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time

once the fad for that kind of music had passed, nobody would have been caught dead listening to it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• craze
• trend
• latest
• vogue
• rage
• enthusiasm
• style
• fashion
• mode
• buzz
• sensation
• ton
• chic
• flavor
• last word
• go
• hot ticket
• dernier cri
• crusade
• movement
• infatuation
• novelty
• to-do
• fervor
• fuss
• bandwagon
• new wave
• cult
• crush
• nine day wonder
• hullabaloo
• furor
• nine days' wonder
• wrinkle
• uproar
• whim
• passion
• fancy
• caprice

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• standard
• classic

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fad distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fad are craze, fashion, mode, rage, style, and vogue. While all these words mean "the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date," fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion.

last year's fad is over

Where would fashion be a reasonable alternative to fad?

Although the words fashion and fad 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

When might mode be a better fit than fad?

While the synonyms mode and fad are close in meaning, mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated.

slim bodies are the mode at this resort

How are the words rage and craze related as synonyms of fad?

Both 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 would style be a good substitute for fad?

The words style and fad 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

When can vogue be used instead of fad?

The meanings of vogue and fad largely overlap; however, vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion.

short skirts are back in vogue

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fad

The question with anything like this is whether a stricter application of the rules is here to stay or just a fad that, much like a New Year’s resolution, starts promisingly but quickly falls away. —Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025

This eating plan is considered a fad diet. —Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Nowadays, social media is filled with fad diets and warnings about which ingredients or food items are better or more toxic than others. —Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025

Some of the consumer interest in pressure cookers and multi-cookers has waned recently, but this cooking method shouldn’t be treated as a fad. —Emily Johnson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025