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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This restriction hampered the MSS’ ability to reduce gangs’ territorial control as gunmen coordinated and simultaneously launched attacks in different corners of the country.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025 -
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the casualties include protesters and bystanders killed by members of the security forces, but also others killed in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs not associated with the protesters.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But the criminal syndicates and the armed groups hosting them have exploited four years of devastating civil war to expand their business.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
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The franchise sees Rambo — haunted by his time at war but equipped with superior military skills — using his expertise against corrupt police officers, crime syndicates, and enemy troops.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Following a six-week trial last fall, CTJ and Si Oh Rhew were found guilty of two conspiracies and multiple counts of failure to file reports of currency transactions.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
1 Oct. 2025
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Federal prosecutors charged Cannon-Grant with three distinct conspiracies.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The clans vote to fight for the Stuart king mostly thanks to Uncle Grant, who in a real surprise, gets very vocal about supporting the cause.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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Yet the unit also targets dissenters and those, including various clans, some backed by Israel, that dare to defy Hamas’s rule.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Prolonged radiation and geomagnetic activity can interfere with GPS networks, disrupt radio signals and damage spacecraft.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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For 48 hours, the Taliban appeared to turn back the clock in Afghanistan with a directive to cut off the internet and phone networks, disconnecting millions of people from the world outside.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Mafias.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Mafias. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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