mass 1 of 3

Definition of massnext
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as in body
a distinct and separate portion of matter a mass of leaves in a corner of the yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in majority
the largest part or quantity of something believes that the great mass of voters are in the political center and consider themselves neither conservative nor liberal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in throng
a great number of persons or creatures massed together a huge mass of people had gathered in the park to protest the government's latest policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

mass

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adjective

mass

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verb

as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass clouds massing on the western side of the mountain range

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mass different from other nouns like it?

The words bulk and volume are common synonyms of mass. While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind.

a mass of boulders

Where would bulk be a reasonable alternative to mass?

While the synonyms bulk and mass are close in meaning, bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous.

the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

In what contexts can volume take the place of mass?

The words volume and mass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating.

a tremendous volume of water

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 mass
Noun
Protests erupted last month among pockets of traders in Tehran over worsening economic and living conditions but have since grown into the largest anti-regime demonstrations to grip the country since 2022, when the death in custody of Mahsa Amini triggered nationwide anger and mass protests. Arsalan Shahla, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026 Daricka Moore will be charged with capital murder in connection with the mass killing that took place across three homes overnight, according to District Attorney Scott Colom. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The recent mass mortality event is attributable to the area's recent heat wave, during which temperatures exceeded 100°F. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 Do Americans still believe in mass protest? Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
Plants also look stunning when massed in larger borders and foundations, or planted as a colorful low hedge. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025 Chief architect Ana Costa—working with Pedro Domingos and João Favila Meneses—designed the buildings with natural materials like wood and stone and kept massing low to follow the site’s topography. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass
Noun
  • After the war, many Iranians hoped things would change and that the government would leverage the nationalistic rally around the flag to introduce a more tenable social contract with the populace.
    CNN Staff, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The arrest of Maduro, while a monumental relief for the long-oppressed and abused Venezuelan populace, was incidental.
    Anthony Dominguez, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Over time, increase the repetitions using light weights, then gradually progress to heavier loads, Forsyth recommended.
    Allison Forsyth, Health, 14 Jan. 2026
  • There’s live music, 70+ vendors, a Biz Kidz Market and loads of family-friendly activities to keep the entire family entertained for hours.
    Ave Maria, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While the aforementioned eye cream is $132, this $10 body lotion is reportedly one of her long-time favorites.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Plus, the anti-static fabric is a quiet finish that makes all the difference, preventing the pants from sticking to your body to ensure maximum comfort and remaining wrinkle-free—a luxury for a frequent traveler at under $50.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • These boosters add weight, complexity, and cost.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The four-man sled is designed for balanced weight distribution, with a brakeman responsible for stopping the sled at the finish.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The vast majority of these deaths are caused by illicit fentanyl which experts report is typically synthesized in Mexico from precursor chemicals provided by Chinese operatives and brought into the United States via vehicles passing through official ports of entry.
    Charles LeBaron, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Hialeah’s City Council has seven seats, making control of a majority essential for any mayor.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ultimately, the popular Lake Eola Farmer’s Market could relocate to a portion of the street to help bring throngs of people, which would also benefit businesses there as city leaders have tried for years to bolster retail offerings.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Much to Jack’s surprise, Anna is among the throng of local press.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Nothing wrong with a little fantasy, but this year’s astrology asks us to stop romanticizing potential and start paying attention to what feels genuine, reciprocal and enduring.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • But no one was prepared for the kind of reciprocal tariffs that were announced on April 2.
    Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Points will accumulate for 10 straight races in the playoffs, so technically a driver could clinch a championship before the final race was ever run.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
  • This friction causes the surface of the lens to accumulate and store a large amount of negative static electricity.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mass. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

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