trend 1 of 2

Definition of trendnext
1
as in tide
a prevailing or general movement or inclination according to the survey, there's a growing trend for companies to run their own day-care centers for the benefit of employees

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2

trend

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to tend
to show a liking or proneness (for something) during the winter our school system trends toward canceling school at the drop of a hat—or at least a snowflake

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course the river trends east, then west again, forming an oxbow

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word trend different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of trend are current, drift, tendency, and tenor. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

When can current be used instead of trend?

In some situations, the words current and trend are roughly equivalent. However, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When is drift a more appropriate choice than trend?

The synonyms drift and trend are sometimes interchangeable, but drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities
got the drift of her argument

When might tendency be a better fit than trend?

The words tendency and trend are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

When is it sensible to use tenor instead of trend?

The meanings of tenor and trend largely overlap; however, tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

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 trend
Noun
In television, there are some trends that seemingly come out of nowhere. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 May 2026 Read More TopicsCurly Hair Vogue Beauty The biggest beauty stories, trends, and product recommendations. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 11 May 2026
Verb
In the traditional Republican strongholds in the 4th Congressional District, which has been trending Democratic in recent years, Bridgeport gave unanimous support for Fazio. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026 As with the ominous music before a jump scare, things certainly seem to be trending in that direction. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for trend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trend
Noun
  • Francis was able to turn the tide for a few moments, using the baseball bat to his advantage.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Denistangneyjr | Istock | Getty Images Whether any of that is enough to help Collins resist the tide, however, remains to be seen.
    Garrett Downs, CNBC, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • That same craze has also driven up shares of Amazon, which works with Cerebras.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 14 May 2026
  • Boot Barn marked a record year in fiscal 2026 after beating expectations in the fourth quarter as the Western craze shows no sign of slowing down.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Players tend to take on longer lasting sources of energy, but reaching for a quickfire caffeine or sugar hit in times of need is not unheard of and the psychological impact of feeling energized can be just as important as any actual boost.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • This naïve view tended to overlook the searing violence of the ‘Cold’ War, and the ever-increasing inequality between nations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • In fact, according to NOAA, only about a quarter of eastern Pacific hurricanes and tropical storms ever make landfall — most curve west and stay out at sea.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • High up on the curving walls to either side were large murals painted in the 1930s by the artist Barry Faulkner portraying Thomas Jefferson handing the Declaration to John Hancock and the ratification of the Constitution.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • The draft was the league’s first step in this direction.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The legal system is moving in both directions at once.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 May 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
  • Project kids just lean into a fight like this.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Reid gathered himself by leaning against the basket stanchion, flexing his jaw and taking in some deep breaths.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • People have a tendency to be pushy, aggressive and even compulsive today.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
  • Since the materials are designed to be stain-resistant and water-repellant, this couch perfectly suits our tendency to eat and drink in the living room.
    Meg Kernahan, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trend. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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