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Definition of crazenext
as in to frenzy
to cause to go insane or as if insane horses crazed by the barn fire kicked out their stall doors as they tried to escape

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word craze distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of craze are fad, fashion, mode, rage, style, and vogue. While all these words mean "the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date," 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 is fad a more appropriate choice than craze?

The meanings of fad and craze largely overlap; however, fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion.

last year's fad is over

When is it sensible to use fashion instead of craze?

Although the words fashion and craze 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

In what contexts can mode take the place of craze?

In some situations, the words mode and craze are roughly equivalent. However, mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated.

slim bodies are the mode at this resort

When can style be used instead of craze?

The words style and craze 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

Where would vogue be a reasonable alternative to craze?

While in some cases nearly identical to craze, 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 craze
Noun
The centenary — and the current tie craze — has also injected confidence in the brand’s business prospects. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Milk & Honey Milk & Honey changed what a bar could be and how cocktails were crafted, setting off this century’s speakeasy craze. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
If the lenses are badly crazed, meaning marred by microscopic cracks in the lens surface, or moisture is trapped inside the housing, replacement is the better option. — John Paul, The Providence Journal, 3 July 2026 The story quickly captivated an American public already more space-crazed than usual, thanks to the recent success of Artemis II. — Govert Schilling, Scientific American, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for craze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for craze
Noun
  • The asymmetrical hemline of the sweater is right on trend and makes the whole look feel much more intentional, while the slouchy silhouette still looks polished enough for a coffee run after landing.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Both trends held true, although barely, as the Hurricanes needed two overtimes to survive another upset bid on a day filled with chaotic finishes and upsets.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Gee, who used to pop into fraternity parties unannounced to keep tabs on them, said he is not bothered by the reintegration of the three formerly rogue organizations.
    — Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This is a dense picture—there’s almost too much to unpack, if you can be bothered to care about any of it.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 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
Noun
  • Textural and layered wallpaper looks are similarly quite en vogue right now, granting organic depth to a room that might otherwise feel small and ordinary.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Designers agree that these are also majorly in vogue at this point in time.
    — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Denial gave way to rage, then rage collapsed into despair, for there is no bargain to be made with genocide.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Using this [execution] to invoke rage, or some political statement, is not something the families want.
    — Meagan Harris, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Zelensky does not appear to be in a rush to hold elections and the public has shown little enthusiasm for heading to the polls as bombs fly overhead.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The strongman is failing, even as the opposition struggles to inspire a great deal of conviction and enthusiasm.
    — Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The protests erupted after nearly a decade of Macronisme, the right-of-center, top-down governing style that President Emmanuel Macron of France incarnates.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For the new movie, ILM preserved their recognizable silhouettes while inventing more realistic anatomy, movement and fighting styles.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Craze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/craze. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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