TREND Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

trend 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrend

Definition of trend next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in craze

a practice or interest that is very popular for a short time still had a coat from the last trend for fake fur, when the material lined everything from boots to coats to bracelets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trend

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to curve

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

straighten

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

Examples 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

Dust, dust, everywhere—all thanks to a modern kitchen trend that has become quite popular in recent years: open shelving. —

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024 Original story reprinted with permission from Quanta Magazine, an editorially independent publication of the Simons Foundation whose mission is to enhance public understanding of science by covering research developments and trends in mathematics and the physical and life sciences. —

Elise Cutts, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024

Verb

Betty Lin-Fisher Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. —

Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024 In what has been a season rapidly trending in a disappointing direction, one of the few things the Golden State Warriors have been able to rely upon is Andrew Wiggins’ steady perimeter defense. —

Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trend

Noun

Upshot: There may be a tide of students seeking to locate sensible, affordable housing.

Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
The series’ 18-minute teaser drew more than two million views after being released on Youtube, stirring a tide of emotional response.

Sara Merican, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2024