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

With the end of the month fast approaching, the migrant exodus has continued as fear of further mob attacks spreads through poor neighborhoods and informal settlements. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 Four juveniles were taken into custody and face charges that include third-degree assault by mob, assault on police while resisting arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a machine gun and breach of peace. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Verb

Mayele put Congo ahead 10 minutes later when flicking past Nematov at the near post and was mobbed by teammates and even substitutes, who raced off the bench and across the field to join in the wild celebrations. — CBS News, 28 June 2026 Balogun’s version went much faster on the pitch at Levi’s Stadium, perhaps accelerated by adrenaline or the need to complete the gesture before being mobbed by his teammates. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mob

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mob

Noun

The plebeians have plenty to be furious about, but their representatives, skilled at turning a crowd into a mob, seem hellbent on shoring up their own influence.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Large-scale events involve tabletop exercises with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency managers and venue officials running through countless scenarios — evacuations, suspicious packages, drones and crowd surges.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Definition of crowd

Noun

His profiteering has drawn criticism from even the traditionally conservative editorial boards at the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, as well as the broader American populace.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 2 July 2026
The ongoing diversification of the American populace ensures that Latin American rhythms, jazz subgenres and electronic innovations will continue to redefine what the nation will sound like moving forward.

— Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of populace

Verb

The siblings dominated the sport for decades and fans will once again flock to SW19 to see the two living legends in action.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
No strike date has been announced as of yet, but the vote arrives at the start of summer, the time of year when New York museums typically see their highest attendance as vacationers flock to the city from around the world.

— News Desk, Artforum, 30 June 2026

Definition of flock

Noun

Tour guides in tricorn hats and colonial garb brought throngs of tourists to sites along the Freedom Trail, including the Granary Burying Ground, the Old North Church, and Paul Revere’s home.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Tomorrow may be even more surreal, with another day of oppressive heat and throngs of tourists in town to see what the president has billed as the biggest fireworks display in human history.

— Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

Definition of throng

Noun

Youssef alleged the property later became associated with gang activity, narcotics activity, prostitution and violence.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
The gang travel through France, Switzerland and Italy towards their final destination of Greece, picking up a pop group and a mysterious American singer along the way.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 2 July 2026

Definition of gang

Noun

His charm offensive, including moving to Rio and recalling Neymar, has also begun to win over a skeptical public, setting the stage for a crucial World Cup challenge.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Harry and Meghan, who live in California, left Britain in 2020 after stepping back from royal life, and have since been involved in a long-running, public falling out with his family.

— Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of public

Noun

Their strategy focuses on low-cost drone swarms, maximizing pilot effectiveness.

— David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Every wedding, every cherry blossom season in Japan, every birth, reactor accidents too, swarms of insects, kittens playing with woolen balls, people disfigured by war, palm trees at sunset—five billion photos a day.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of swarm

Browse Nearby Words

moats

mob

mobbed

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Style

“Mob.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mob. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of mob

noun

verb

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