mass 1 of 3

Definition of massnext
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2
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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
The sudden loss of mass means the strength of the primary star’s gravity drops suddenly, causing the secondary companion to get flung out into space at dizzying speeds. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026 France also has shut down six nuclear reactors in recent days because of extreme heat and drought — and because a mass of jellyfish washed up outside one power plant on the English Channel coast, utility company EDF said. Angela Charlton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Police said that the suspect had also searched for websites on mass shootings before the attack and that the gun belonged to his grandfather and had been registered. Connor Greene, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 Over the last year, the world’s mass carmakers have absorbed between $55 billion to $65 billion in combined financial losses and write-downs. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
Thousands of demonstrators massed across South African cities, venting anger at undocumented foreign nationals. Reuters, NBC news, 1 July 2026 Russian sage tolerates dry soils, too, once established and is beautiful massed or used as edging. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass
Noun
  • This is where the irrationality of antisemitic conspiracy gains no purchase among a reasoning and pragmatic populace; where government is led by people who grasp, and embrace, the seriousness of their responsibilities.
    Rory Lancman, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Since the 1700s, Jamaica’s populace has been dominated by the descendants of African slaves.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The finding challenges earlier computer models that predict how nuclear fusion reactor materials handle extreme thermal loads.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • For everyday loads of shirts, pants and towels, that’s more than enough.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Aetrex is a technology company that uses data and learnings to design and create footwear that is anatomically correct to support your body from the ground up, offering superior arch support and pain relief.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Monday's meeting will be open to the entire church body, both sides said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The leading open-weight AI models are closing the gap on the frontier in cyber capabilities, an analysis found.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The shop retained and restored the frame, 3D scanned it, and crafted a specialty battery to fit, keeping weight and balance in mind.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Rams kept the training wheels on him for a majority of the start, with almost every throw going within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.
    Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Albeit in an uncompetitive effort, the Falcons’ 27-7 loss to the Broncos in the preseason opener Friday night offered a glimpse at a vast majority of the team’s roster.
    Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The defendant and his legal team declined to speak with a throng of reporters outside the courthouse.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Right in the middle of cheering, reveling masses was MARTA — a connective system of veins that efficiently moved the happy throngs.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Breaking force balance In ordinary passive systems, interactions are reciprocal.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Choose the invitation, cause, or friendship that feels genuinely reciprocal.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Following the successful first model, this iteration will feature binned A19 Pro chips, repurposed from iPhone 17 Pro production, which dictates its release timeline as chip stock accumulates.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Ensuring that intelligence accumulated through one robot does not become useless when the hardware changes.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mass. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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