crowd 1 of 2

1
as in throng
a great number of persons or creatures massed together a huge crowd of fans was on hand to greet the returning World Series champions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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crowd

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to stuff
to fit (people or things) into a tight space crowded all the boats into the harbor before the storm struck

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to flock
to move upon or fill (something) in great numbers cars crowded the roads over the long holiday weekend

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun crowd differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crowd are crush, horde, mob, and throng. While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," crowd implies a close gathering and pressing together.

a crowd gathered

Where would crush be a reasonable alternative to crowd?

The words crush and crowd 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

When might mob be a better fit than crowd?

While in some cases nearly identical to crowd, mob implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence.

an angry mob

How do throng and horde relate to one another, in the sense of crowd?

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 crowd
Noun
As his first-ever home run soared 410 feet to right-center, the home crowd booed him venomously. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025 The suspect accused of injuring over a dozen people after throwing Molotov cocktails into a crowd of peaceful pro-Israel demonstrators last weekend appeared in federal court in Denver Friday to face a federal hate crime charge. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
Most surplus workers can be found crowding freeways every workday, leaving the Inland Empire for jobs in coastal employment hubs. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 30 May 2025 The Orioles are back on the field, newly aspiring joggers crowd the park walkways that are otherwise barren, and old heads are breaking out their three-wheeled Slingshots again, playing Jeezy so loud that windowpanes tremble. Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for crowd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crowd
Noun
  • As part of the celebration, someone blew bubbles amid the throng of Pointers.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • On Tuesday, a massive throng of Palestinians overran the first GHF aid site in southern Gaza, tearing down some of the fencing and climbing over crowd control barriers.
    Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • For instance, if an American company wanted to build a hotel in an area that could affect an Indigenous community, the U.S. could push for the deal to require Indigenous approval, or at least consultation.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
  • And in the worst cases, the irreversible loss of historic places that form the soul of our communities.
    Aaron Marcavitch, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • In this case, the first task is to acquaint the local populace with the new part-owner and his significance before the franchise can capitalize on his worldwide stature in the sport.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
  • Whether this research method is an adequate representation of the populace at large is an open question.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • No, Johnson wanted to talk about the, um, elephants (?) in the room, eventually making Fallon give her a tissue to stuff down the front of her outfit.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 5 June 2025
  • Seaweed is toasted to order, and the restaurant’s signature hand roll comes stuffed with blue crab, shrimp, salmon belly and cucumber.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • As technology got better, so did the ability to create waves both experienced surfers would flock to, as well as a place newcomers intimidated by the unpredictability of the ocean – or the thought of sharks lingering nearby — could enjoy.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 30 May 2025
  • Audiences flock toward creators who look and feel authentic and whose content aligns with their values.
    Jason Hall, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • In the background, bystanders can be seen huddled over someone on the ground.
    Lauren Penington, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
  • While huddled in the trailer with his band, the 25-year-old listened closely for flat notes, rhythmic mishaps, conducting the group like an orchestra leader before his big showcase.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Joseph Quinn’s Hellfire Club captain Eddie, a new fan favorite, sadly perished after being attacked by a swarm of Demobats in Episode 9.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 2 June 2025
  • These swarms are faster, more adaptive, and more resilient.
    Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • With most of their money tied up in three players who share more or less the same set of skills (albeit to varying degrees) and a bunch of flawed complimentary pieces, the Suns have arguably the least cohesive roster in the league.
    Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The Panthers are likely to add a veteran to this bunch, but for now, Richardson seems to have a significant leg up.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crowd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crowd. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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