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
As mentioned, this new skin trend takes its name from mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake treat famous for its bouncy texture, plump appearance, and smooth, slightly translucent surface. — Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 The retailer also carries a ton of our favorite brands, including Free People, Calvin Klein, Vince, and Abercrombie & Fitch, and is a fun place to shop for current trends without breaking the bank. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
In other words, profits are trending the right way, big time. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 Dangerously sharp pointed toes have been trending in the footwear space and have been spotted in the latest collections by Saint Laurent, Gucci and more. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trend
Noun
  • Other tide gauges across Southern California approached record levels, including in La Jolla.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Warm ocean temperatures have expanded the water, making the tides higher than ever in some places.
    — N. Kirkpatrick, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This was in 2024 and 2025, when the AI craze was in full swing and Claude and ChatGPT adoption was rising.
    — Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Here’s how the current sleepmaxxing craze breaks down, which pieces have real science behind them and which ones your wearable data probably won’t vouch for.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Smaller-scale landlords tend to be more flexible with tenants on issues such as late rent, data show, so the city should award grants or subsidies to help those landlords keep their properties habitable, Khanmalek said.
    — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Although black proved to be the most popular choice, most Salomon pairs (at least those in neutral colorways) tend to go with pretty much anything, from jeans to track pants to pleated miniskirts.
    — Nuria Luis, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Where the Duo has curved edges and a distinct D-like appearance, the Z Fold 8 is strictly rectangular with sharp edges all around.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Animators studied ostriches before feeding their digital movement curves into a six-axis mechanical rig carrying the performers.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Brennan said his letter was based on direction offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in November.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Reversing the voltage’s polarity reversed the direction of rotation.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 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
  • More retreat than resort, the 17-room lodge leans into its eco-conscious cred, maximizing the natural beauty of the surroundings and bringing those elements indoors to create a fully restorative experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The president leaned into cultural issues to portray Talarico as too liberal for Texas.
    — STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Research has also found that across generational groups, greater user tendency to engage in social comparison, together with greater maladaptive ways of coping with emotions, is associated with more symptoms of anger, anxiety, and depression.
    — Ashwini Nadkarni, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Good and bad tendencies overlap and swirl — the Gators, a new property every week.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trend. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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