Synonyms of fetish

fetish

noun

ˈfe-tish 

variants also fetich

1

as in obsession

something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned

dieting seems to be a fetish with some people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obsession
• problem
• fascination
• fixation
• preoccupation
• mania
• enthusiasm
• idée fixe
• prepossession
• thirst
• compulsion
• desire
• craving
• longing
• monomania
• infatuation
• trip
• complex
• hunger
• lust
• appetite
• predilection
• idiosyncrasy
• tendency
• penchant
• yearning
• urge
• quirk
• hang-up
• passion
• yen
• proclivity
• itch
• predisposition
• hankering
• drive
• bent
• propensity
• pining
• inclination
• cacoëthes
• partiality
• disposition
• leaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indifference
• disregard
• nonchalance
• apathy
• unconcern
• insouciance
• disinterestedness
• unconcernedness

2

as in talisman

something worn or kept to bring good luck or keep away evil

an archaeologist discovering an old animal tooth that may have been worn as a fetish

Synonyms & Similar Words

• talisman
• amulet
• mascot
• emblem
• symbol
• charm
• mojo
• phylactery
• periapt
• juju
• token
• totem
• philter
• toadstone
• gris-gris

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• spell
• curse
• hoodoo
• jinx
• hex

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fetish

But Thiel isn’t just one more investor with a Tolkien fetish. — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026

Various nemeses and side characters enter the fray, from Jim’s archenemy (and also Insta-famous) Pavel to the scally with a sneaker-sniffing fetish who guides Jim and Lucien to their next destination. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 May 2026

Here, the sado-sensual yearning of the Confederacy to instantiate itself through the fetishes and reliquaries of figurative sculpture is shown as hollow, impotent, all too discomfiting, and very real. — Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026

Cassie does a photoshoot dressed as a baby, said to be a fetish among clients. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2026