crush 1 of 2

1
as in to mash
to cause to become a pulpy mass dark-colored grapes that will be crushed to make red wine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
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5
as in to squeeze
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of after crushing the grapes, let the skins soak in the juice in order to extract some color

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
as in to cram
to fit (people or things) into a tight space the desperate refugees were crushed into the back of the truck

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

crush

2 of 2

noun

1
as in passion
a strong but often short-lived liking for another person fondly remembers the crush that she had on a boy one summer long ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun crush differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crush are crowd, horde, mob, and throng. While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," crush emphasizes the compactness of the group, the difficulty of individual movement, and the attendant discomfort.

a crush of fans

When might crowd be a better fit than crush?

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

a crowd gathered

When is mob a more appropriate choice than crush?

The words mob and crush can be used in similar contexts, but mob implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence.

an angry mob

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

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 crush
Verb
The Chinese army ultimately crushed the rebellion, killing tens of thousands of Tibetans, according to exile groups, though the exact number remains disputed. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025 Robinson was crushed by Democrat Josh Stein, as were other Republicans running for statewide office, even though Trump won the state. Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025
Noun
Iranian meddling in the region has provided Arab dictators such as Syria’s Bashar al-Assad with both the moral and material means to suppress dissent, crush reform, and extend their autocratic rule. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025 Lee has been cast as Ashley, the charming girl next door that Montgomery (Sean Giambrone) has a crush on who is also in a terrifying Death Metal Folk band. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for crush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crush
Verb
  • With a fork, mash the banana in a separate small bowl until mostly smooth, leaving a few clumps.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
  • Piped over the top are mashed Yukon gold and Japanese purple potatoes.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • One company helping Americans relocate to the Netherlands, GTFO Tours, reported a 200 percent increase in inquiries from U.S. nationals in the days following Trump's decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles last month.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • The community town hall did little to quell resident's concerns.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • It’s often considered an enemy of development in the state due to its ability to slow projects to a grinding halt.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
  • He was welcomed warmly and awarded an Order of Liberty by Zelenskyy, who is trying to rally support among Kyiv's allies at a crucial juncture in the grinding war with Russia.
    USA Today, USA Today, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • This can overwhelm analysts and lead to alert fatigue.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Among other things, a lack of staff hampered the State Emergency Response Team’s ability to maintain a 24-hour operation that was supposed to support local and county officials who were overwhelmed by the massive storm.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Paul Blackburn, with plenty of starting experience for Oakland, could squeeze into the picture too – especially if the Mets decide to try a six-man rotation that would save wear and tear on each man.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • When pancake is ready to flip, squeeze the cinnamon mixture into a swirl shape on top of the pancake batter, pressing the tip of the bag slightly into the batter.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Leavenworth-a-Lago: Now that those once-secret documents have been removed from bathrooms and closets, the private club should have a little extra space in which to cram undocumented migrants, who could also be pulled into service as caddies.
    Bob Morris, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
  • When the novel begins, Alba, Stanley, and Drew, the remaining crew of the Audition, are trapped throughout the ship—one crammed into a hallway, another wedged between the floor and ceiling of a basketball court.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Guardiola has always traditionally asked for his two wingers to provide the width for the team but that started to change at times last season, with the full-backs hugging the touchline.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • Aaron Paul and pal, Chef Michael Mina, hug it out at the one-year anniversary of Bourbon Steak in New York.
    Grace Harrington, People.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • February 2025 Knight of Wands: The full moon in Leo on February 24 will supercharge your creativity and passion, making this the perfect month to take bold risks in love, art, or personal projects.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Their steadfast passion for making exceptional whisky established the foundation for the distillery's distinguished legacy.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crush. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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