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

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 fad Clearly, these are not passing fads and are here to stay for a while. Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 28 May 2025 Now, at the opposite end of the spectrum, a new fad is emerging: caveman skin. Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 May 2025 This success contrasts with the cautionary tale of the photo film industry, where some companies clung to their legacy of print photography and failed to embrace convenient, immediate, shareable digital images customers craved as the future rather than a fad. Gregory Crawford, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 The bride-to-bin fashion fad showed remarkable durability. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fad
Noun
  • The brand tapped into the tennis craze with two versions of its EJ Egg Rocket style paying tribute to the Wimbledon and Roland Garros tournaments.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 June 2025
  • Naked by David Sedaris (1997) $10 $18 now 44% off This is the book that really made David Sedaris famous, and kicked off the memoir craze that never really stopped.
    Brian Boone, Vulture, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Now, if the trend reporters are to be believed, jellies are back.
    Jillian Steinhauer, New Yorker, 27 June 2025
  • This summer, beauty trends are all about softness with a side of shimmer.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The latests deaths included three residents of long-term care facilities in Dallas, as well as a Balch Springs man in his 20s and a Dallas man in his 60s.
    Dana Branham, Dallas News, 30 Apr. 2020
  • That equates to more than 45 million Americans using CBD products, based on latest available U.S. Census estimates.
    Brendan Bures, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2019
Noun
  • Signing a celebrity is en vogue with Smartwater’s competitors.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
  • Several commenters praised the name, which seems to be in vogue among celebrity parents.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Emotionally intelligent people don't unleash their rage like this.
    Juli Fraga, CNBC, 27 June 2025
  • In rage and disbelief, Gi-hun mourned the death of his friend and wailed with grief as masked soldiers apprehended him.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fad. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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