1
as in leaning
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in curving
to turn away from a straight line or course
the river trends east, then west again, forming an oxbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of trending
Weekly attendance has been trending several percentage points lower than last year even though attendance rates had started considerably higher at the start of the semester.
—
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
However, container gardening is trending big in 2026, no matter how much space someone has.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
This primary is seen as one of the early indicators of the story Democrats are going to be telling voters headed into midterm elections that are widely seen as trending in their favor.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
And don’t sleep on what’s trending for spring; bold colors and flapper-era beading are very in.
—Alison Syrett Cleary, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
From the plastic surgery fad trending among men to the effects GLP-1 medication is having on cosmetics to a wider range of facelifts on the market, these are what the pros predict will have a moment.
—Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Prices have been trending higher – particularly for must-haves like groceries and electricity.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Warm-weather destinations in the Middle East and Caribbean are also trending, with travelers setting price alerts early to secure deals.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Theories about why crime has been trending down include greater investment in community programs, a push by police to target repeat offenders and fallout from President Trump‘s immigration crackdown.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
However, container gardening is trending big in 2026, no matter how much space someone has.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
This primary is seen as one of the early indicators of the story Democrats are going to be telling voters headed into midterm elections that are widely seen as trending in their favor.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
And don’t sleep on what’s trending for spring; bold colors and flapper-era beading are very in.
—Alison Syrett Cleary, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
From the plastic surgery fad trending among men to the effects GLP-1 medication is having on cosmetics to a wider range of facelifts on the market, these are what the pros predict will have a moment.
—Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Prices have been trending higher – particularly for must-haves like groceries and electricity.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Warm-weather destinations in the Middle East and Caribbean are also trending, with travelers setting price alerts early to secure deals.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
Theories about why crime has been trending down include greater investment in community programs, a push by police to target repeat offenders and fallout from President Trump‘s immigration crackdown.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trending
Verb
-
Kimmel had a tumultuous 2025, temporarily going off the air after conservative-leaning affiliate owners suspended the show following Kimmel’s remarks in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting.—
David Matthews,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
While China has a more advanced humanoid and service bot ecosystem, European startups are leaning into drones, while American firms dominate in premium medical bots and robotics software.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
At first glance, the choker reprises the incisions and delicately curving edges meant to evoke Chanel’s distinctive quilting, with a sliding clasp closure to adjust it closely to the neck.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Later came scores on a free kick and curving corner kick to help account for a 4-0 halftime lead.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
After missing the past two games while tending to a leg injury, forward Teya Sidberry was one of nine Longhorns to play at least 16 minutes.—
Danny Davis,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Cue a total lockdown of the hospital as everyone tries to figure out if the guy was bluffing, all while putting out the fires (and tending to the victims) left by the explosion.—
Will Harris,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trending. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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