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 resolution proposed by the groups would end the county’s spending, contracts, property use and grants for mass surveillance systems like Flock, DeFlock Fort Worth founder Steven Lawrence said. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026 The star has a mass around 85 times the mass of Jupiter, with the brown dwarf has a mass around 25 times the mass of the gas giant. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Dozens of lawsuits remain pending, including claims related to the handling of mass pro-immigration protests since last year, probably putting taxpayers on the hook for more large payouts in the future. — Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Similar to the movement against red light cameras, Palmer said several groups are creating a grassroots effort to end mass surveillance from Flock cameras. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
Thousands had massed in the same street just a few years before. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026 This is coming while fashion footwear continues to sell poorly, though these fashion sneakers will be targeted to high-end boutiques, as opposed to mass retail. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass
Noun
  • Despite Jack’s best efforts to bring Christmas cheer to the world, his gifts horrify the populace.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The decision was ultimately reversed by a New York Supreme Court judge, on the grounds that Warren violated the populace’s religious liberties.
    — Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This is the kind of test that quickly separates a power station that merely has an impressive number printed on its case from one with an inverter and battery management system capable of handling tough, real-world loads.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Data collected from the test rig could allow manufacturers to design heat pumps and heat exchangers for high temperatures, large loads, and changing conditions.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Its members are independent producers, with no studios, conglomerates or state bodies involved.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Yet no official body seems to have been in charge of vetting them.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • How long can a country punch above its weight before someone needs to check the scales?
    — Jan Larsson, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • According to the National Institutes of Health, different eating plans can support weight loss, but the most effective approach depends on a person's individual health needs, preferences and ability to maintain the habits long-term.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Democrats must decide whether to take the deal in front of them or, possibly with a congressional majority next year, craft a version more to their liking that may be met with staunch GOP opposition and, thus, gridlock purgatory yet again.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • While the majority of shoppers are Latino, particularly Mexican, Palomino said the market’s appeal extends to other communities as well.
    — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Outside, a throng of revelers were waiting to navigate the same journey as Williams, McRae, and their respective entourages.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Set the scene Deep in verdant Bogawantalawa Valley, the serenity here is a welcome break from the throng of the south coast beaches.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The United States and China released Monday reciprocal lists of products worth about $30 billion each that will see tariff cuts, in a deal expected to boost bilateral trade.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In another list were Washington’s reciprocal tariff cuts for Chinese small appliances such as coffee makers and toasters, tableware, blankets and bed linens.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The video went up a week ago and has accumulated more than 9,000 likes, 300 shares, and 72 comments.
    — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Errors can accumulate during calculations, eventually making results unreliable.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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