MOB Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'mob' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mob are crowd , crush , horde , and throng . While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," mob implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence. // an angry mob

Q: Where would 'crowd' be a reasonable alternative to 'mob'?

While the synonyms crowd and mob are close in meaning, crowd implies a close gathering and pressing together. // a crowd gathered

Q: In what contexts can 'crush' take the place of 'mob'?

The words crush and mob are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crush emphasizes the compactness of the group, the difficulty of individual movement, and the attendant discomfort. // a crush of fans

Q: How do 'throng' and 'horde' relate to one another, in the sense of 'mob'?

Both throng and horde suggest movement and pushing. // a throng of reporters // a horde of shoppers

mob 1 of 2

noun

ˈmäb

Definition of mob

as in crowd

a great number of persons or creatures massed together a mob of pigeons soon flocked around us after they spied the bread crumbs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in Mafia

a group involved in secret or criminal activities the club owner was accused of having connections with a mob of racketeers

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in populace

the body of the community as contrasted with the elite political speeches designed to appeal to the mob

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mob

2 of 2

verb

as in to flock

to move upon or fill (something) in great numbers the snack bar was mobbed as soon as the meeting was over

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mob differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mob are crowd, crush, horde, and throng. While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," mob implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence.

an angry mob

Where would crowd be a reasonable alternative to mob?

While the synonyms crowd and mob are close in meaning, crowd implies a close gathering and pressing together.

a crowd gathered

In what contexts can crush take the place of mob?

The words crush and mob are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crush emphasizes the compactness of the group, the difficulty of individual movement, and the attendant discomfort.

a crush of fans

How do throng and horde relate to one another, in the sense of mob?

Both throng and horde suggest movement and pushing.

a throng of reporters

a horde of shoppers

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 mob

Noun

For this mob, watches are as much assets to flip as trophies to collect. — Adam Erace, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 Jennifer Lopez brought mob wife dressing to Milan Fashion Week on September 23. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 23 Sep. 2026

Verb

Hallford Stadium glowed red as Tucker players and coaches mobbed each other. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026 After falling on hard times particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, malls today are in a renaissance as teens mob them once more. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mob

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mob

Noun

The hotel draws a significant business and convention crowd, as well as fans in town for a big game.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The series follows the Canadian team’s historic run to the World Cup final, where they were ultimately toppled by host country England, going down 33-13 in front of a sellout crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham Stadium in South West London.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of crowd

Noun

The decision was ultimately reversed by a New York Supreme Court judge, on the grounds that Warren violated the populace’s religious liberties.

— Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
The entire populace is beholden to Billy’s stepmom, Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan), their resident Manhunter in hiding.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of populace

Noun

Set the scene Deep in verdant Bogawantalawa Valley, the serenity here is a welcome break from the throng of the south coast beaches.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Word spread quickly, and soon a throng of smartphone-wielding citizens had surrounded the immigration enforcement van, which couldn’t move because one enterprising, early-arriving activist had slid underneath it.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of throng

Noun

The panel describe a persistent gang presence in rural communities including Nouvelle-Touraine, Bongars, Grand Fond, Belle Fontaine, Belot, Furcy, Kafou Bèt and Sourçailles.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
In a second complaint unsealed Wednesday, authorities allege that a few months after the U-Haul incident, a gang member fired a barrage of bullets at a man who owed Argumedo money.

— Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of gang

Noun

However, don't expect a repeat in 2026 — the next predicted Taurid fireball swarm isn't expected until 2032.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Instead of sending one expensive robot to do a job, a swarm of cheaper hopping ones could monitor water and soil, inspect oil refineries, and explore other locations that are difficult to reach.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of swarm

Browse Nearby Words

moats

mob

mobbed

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Mob.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mob. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mob

noun

verb

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