mass 1 of 3

Definition of massnext
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2
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as in body
a distinct and separate portion of matter a mass of leaves in a corner of the yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in majority
the largest part or quantity of something believes that the great mass of voters are in the political center and consider themselves neither conservative nor liberal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in throng
a great number of persons or creatures massed together a huge mass of people had gathered in the park to protest the government's latest policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

mass

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adjective

mass

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verb

as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass clouds massing on the western side of the mountain range

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mass different from other nouns like it?

The words bulk and volume are common synonyms of mass. While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind.

a mass of boulders

Where would bulk be a reasonable alternative to mass?

While the synonyms bulk and mass are close in meaning, bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous.

the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

In what contexts can volume take the place of mass?

The words volume and mass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating.

a tremendous volume of water

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 mass
Noun
My focus has never been on making my Instagram the center of a scalable mass conversation. — Elektra Kotsoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Giamanco said he’s been struggling to sleep since the mass shooting and can’t get that terrible day out of his head. — David K. Li, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
That followed mass demonstrations earlier this month, with students decrying run-down classrooms, missing teachers, and buildings that aren’t equipped for rising temperatures. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Skillful organizers who belonged to the Communist Party incited mass movements during the 1930s and World War II. — Michael Kazin, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
Skip mass applying tools Hiring professionals agree now is not the time to mass apply to jobs. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026 Thousands had massed in the same street just a few years before. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass
Noun
  • Despite Jack’s best efforts to bring Christmas cheer to the world, his gifts horrify the populace.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Cranes lift 200-ton loads at mountain bridge site The R4300-200 has a maximum lifting capacity of 200 metric tons (220 US tons) and an 80-meter jib (262 feet).
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Its remaining civil rights workers have described untenable case loads and pressure to dismiss complaints.
    — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Investigators found Amy in a separate area with a ligature around her neck and burns covering up to 30% of her body, according to court documents.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Several different types of peptides are naturally found in the body, like insulin and endorphins.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Higher energy density could allow automakers to achieve longer driving ranges without increasing battery size or weight.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Flight imposes strict weight limits, so birds pack enormous numbers of very small neurons into very small brains.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the majority of peaceful protesters joined a march that moved toward northwestern Paris.
    — SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The ruling party needs a majority of at least 61 seats out of 120 in the Knesset.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As for the happy throng of guests, the dress code was wide open to interpretation, from paillettes to pink marabou.
    — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Outside, a throng of revelers were waiting to navigate the same journey as Williams, McRae, and their respective entourages.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Addressing those fears will require reciprocal steps and credible verification.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Members can use wellness zones and coworking spaces, join group sailing adventures, enjoy a year-round social calendar, and take advantage of reciprocal arrangements with over 220 other clubs.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rocks and plants The first method measures beryllium-10, an isotope that accumulates in the top few centimeters of rock that is exposed to the sky.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Research has demonstrated the importance of initiating appropriate treatment early in the course of disease, before neurological damage accumulates.
    — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mass. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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