as in gangs
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Mafias
Noun
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Scypion’s killing was linked to a feud between East Contra Costa gangs known as Midtown and the Hard Body Gang.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026 -
Six people died and 12 more were injured in what prosecutors have alleged was a standoff between two gangs.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The criminal syndicates refitted their properties as centres where teams of workers – often trafficked and coerced – run online scams at scale.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
12 Apr. 2026
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Caleb Davies, another Kalshi trader who has earned $389,000 in culture markets over the past two years, says that the absence of financial organizations or syndicates of traders with big money allows knowledgeable traders to profit off of people who simply bet on their faves.—
David Hill,
Rolling Stone,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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That’s what puts us in the bad position of believing in conspiracies.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2026
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Various media watchers have criticized One America News Network for airing false stories and conspiracies as news.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In mid-July, armed groups affiliated with Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri clashed with local Bedouin clans, spurring intervention by government forces who effectively sided with the Bedouins.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
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For almost as long, these two clans have also been intimate friends (and relations) of the Pelosi family.—
James Reginato,
Vanity Fair,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Burelli also warned the policy shift could transform Venezuela into a laundering hub for illicit gold from across the Amazon basin, with miners from Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and Suriname channeling production through Venezuelan networks before reaching global buyers.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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These networks are strongest if people step in to provide accountability, check in periodically and help navigate care when needed.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Mafias.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Mafias. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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