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 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 Latin Mafia’s appearance at Lollapalooza felt, to many, like a tribute to Latin music. — Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025 Swedish House Mafia plays the second weekend of Tomorrowland 2025 today. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 25 July 2025 De Soto Music and shopping together The Rhythm & Roots Market will feature Superstar Mafia from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, in Downtown DeSoto. — Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 23 July 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
  • Released in 1996, Romeo + Juliet stood apart from previous adaptations by placing Shakespeare’s story in a modern setting filled with rival gangs, flashy cars and stylized action while keeping the original dialogue intact.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • The effect is something like a gang of glass-eyed vultures staring down at a piece of carrion.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of gang
Noun
  • The film centers on Wang Wei (Miao), a mysterious mute tradesman who is forced into a violent underworld after his daughter is kidnapped by a Southeast Asian child trafficking syndicate.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 July 2026
  • The Frenchman’s appeal centered on his contention that Mick Lescure, another former French tennis player who was banned for life for match-fixing in 2022, had made a false accusation alleging Bensoussan’s involvement in the match-fixing syndicate.
    — James Hansen, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of syndicate
Noun
  • The department is also targeting Omar Cantu-Montalvo, a Mexican native who joined a conspiracy to distribute more than 10 pounds of cocaine months before applying for citizenship in 2005.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2026
  • Iza has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy against rights, wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery in California and Connecticut and awaits sentencing.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 20 July 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Noun
  • As much as Kelly might be milking this attention, being subjected to such a high-level threat can arouse serious menace from the acolyte mobs.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • Lander did not feel the need to appease the Zionist mob by softening his rhetoric.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
Definition of mob
Noun
  • There are countless activities for children and the whole clan to enjoy, from horse riding tours of the countryside to quad biking, cycling, tennis, and an aqua park tucked away from the main site.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
  • A day after the momager, 70, announced MJ’s death on Instagram, DeGeneres, 68, who has a close friendship with the Kardashian-Jenner clan, paid her respects with a sweet message.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Definition of clan
Noun
  • If no deal is made, people with the aforementioned health insurance plans through United will no longer be able to get in-network care with UHealth doctors and other providers across UHealth’s South Florida facilities.
    — Michelle Marchante July 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Emery believed Rashford at his best was one of the most threatening attackers in the world and backed himself and his support network to rejuvenate the player.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Mafia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Mafia

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