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
Fraudsters send out mass text messages warning about unpaid tolls, expiring car registrations or pending arrests that are designed to scare consumers into providing their credit card information, email credentials or other sensitive data. Gabrielle Fonrouge,scott Zamost,anna Gleason, CNBC, 17 July 2026 Other tech companies, including Amazon, Oracle and Microsoft, have been conducting mass layoffs this year. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Adjective
The prospect of mass deportations to a country reeling from deadly gang warfare, a deepening humanitarian emergency and record numbers of people who have fled their homes has alarmed Haitians at home and abroad. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 Without immediate prevention measures, the looming polycrisis will have widespread impacts on basic health, nutrition and water services – and the potential for mass mortality and displacement. Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Verb
But no series ostensibly for children has worked harder to guilt-trip adults into taking better care of their pets or belongings than the Toy Story movies, in which the mere act of putting away playthings is tantamount to mass murder. David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 Even hours after the attack, plumes of black smoke massed along the Moscow skyline - and all four of the city's airports suspended operations for much of the day. Charles Maynes, NPR, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass
Noun
  • Their past two victories against Switzerland and Egypt came with the help of controversial calls that had the soccer-watching populace buzzing about potential favoritism toward Argentina.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Trump’s decision to deploy these soldiers has thoroughly spooked a populace that already distrusts the president.
    Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Transformers require specialized vehicles and heavy-duty trailers capable of carrying oversized loads.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Flawless routines and loads of amenities were once seen as the ultimate pillars of hospitality.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Hopkinson and chief financial officer Simon Capper visited Nyon, Switzerland, on multiple occasions, while the CEO also spoke to governing-body representatives in Budapest before the Champions League final in May.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Issues of potential fertility decline in this male population also need to be addressed, as well as signs of high testosterone including sleep issues, excess body hair, liver disease, weight gain and mood disorders.
    Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • As weight loss drugs reshape how Americans eat, Burger King is gearing up for a future where customers still want fast food — just less of it.
    Hallie Jackson, NBC news, 19 July 2026
  • More than one in 10 Americans takes a GLP-1 medication for weight loss.
    Liz Seegert, Scientific American, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • This summer has been challenging, yet Newcastle are adamant that their 85 per cent majority owner, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is determined to spend up to the maximum within the rules moving forward.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • While the majority of classicists are embracing the spectacle of Nolan’s blockbuster, opinions start to diverge when discussing his adaptation of Homer’s language for the screenplay.
    Antonio Ferme, Variety, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • That’s why Fox Sports frequently showed the throng of fans in KC celebrating during games.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • Given the throng of big names at Tuesday’s match, there should be no shortage of dignitary shots with Messi in town Wednesday.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Trust Drives Accountability Today’s multigenerational and hybrid workforces expect leaders who can connect by demonstrating self‑awareness and empathy, as these are essential to building trust and reciprocal accountability.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • According to Tidal, the idea of Nas creating a playlist inspired by Jay-Z’s career was both reciprocal and congratulatory.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • What happens when interconnected debt starts accumulating faster than human understanding can keep pace?
    Doug Shannon, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Research indicates that, as apex predators, sharks accumulate high levels of heavy metals — including arsenic, mercury and lead — in their blood and tissues.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mass. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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