Mafia

noun

ˈmä-fē-ə How to pronounce Mafia (audio)
Definition of Mafianext
as in gang
a group involved in secret or criminal activities the local Mafia largely finances itself through extortion rackets and drug trafficking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Mafia More than 30 people, including members and associates of four major Mafia crime families, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and ex-NBA player Damon Jones, have been ensnared in the scheme. — Tom Winter, NBC news, 10 June 2026 The Alphabet Mafia will not stand for straight attractive White girls to dominate their sport, regardless of the success that the new class has brought the league. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 The game, which is essentially Mafia, hit big with nearly 500 million monthly active users by its peak in the fourth quarter of 2020, no doubt fueled by the at-home isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026 Presley’s friends in the Memphis Mafia were convinced that Elvis wanted to tour the world and blamed Parker’s fear of deportation. — Kim Willis, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Mafia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Mafia
  1. gang
  2. syndicate
  3. conspiracy
  4. mob
  5. clan
  6. network
Noun
  • Izo 2 leads an armed group in that area on behalf of and in coordination with other gang leaders including Izo, considered one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
  • It was agreed that the gang suppression force would strengthen its presence in Port-au-Prince and that Haitian forces would reinforce their deployment in Kenscoff.
    — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of gang
Noun
  • Complex investigations to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates can require advanced equipment, Casey Rayborn Hicks, a spokesperson for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, wrote in a statement.
    — Aneri Pattani — KFF Health News, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026
  • When he's appointed interim sheriff of a tiny Minnesota town, Ulysses Richardson intervenes in a botched bank robbery, discovering a stash of gold and heavy weapons that belong to a Yakuza crime syndicate.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of syndicate
Noun
  • And in a related case, former union executive Tyler Brown pleaded guilty in May 2024 to one count of racketeering conspiracy.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Stewart went to prison for five months after being found guilty on charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the sale of a stock.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Noun
  • In Iran, Afghans have been attacked by mobs and baselessly accused of collaborating with Israel; some legal residents have had police tear up their documents in front of them.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
  • While clearing mobs of enemies can be fun, the combat really shines during the game’s many boss fights.
    — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of mob
Noun
  • For the exterior, the clan enlisted the same architect and builder the wife’s sister had used on a prior house.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The O’Connell clan’s reach extended far beyond a little bribery and ballot stuffing.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clan
Noun
  • The bank expects power networks to account for roughly one-third of group profits by 2029, up from 23% in 2025, which would help cut capital costs.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Spotify acquired The Ringer — a sports and pop culture website and podcast network — in 2020 for more than $200 million, according to reports.
    — Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of network

Browse Nearby Words

mafficks
Mafia
Mafias
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mafia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Mafia. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Mafia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Mafia

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