mass 1 of 3

1
2
as in loads
a considerable amount I have a mass of work to do tonight

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in body
a distinct and separate portion of matter a mass of leaves in a corner of the yard

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4
5
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6
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

2 of 3

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

mass

3 of 3

adjective

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
President Trump said that there will be a temporary pass issued for migrants working at farms and in the hospitality industry to allow employers to have more control after the administration sent mixed messages about exceptions in its mass deportation efforts. Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 29 June 2025 President Donald Trump has pledged to launch the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, with people residing in the country illegally as well as immigrants with valid documentation, including green cards and visas, having been detained, and many deported. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Verb
Somewhere between the ages of 25 and 35, your body reaches its peak bone mass. Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 June 2025 This results in slender, long limbs, narrow waist and shoulders, and less muscle mass with respect to bone length.23 Health Issues to Know About Due to their tall, lean physique and fast metabolism, people with ectomorphic body shapes often have issues gaining weight and muscle mass. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 24 June 2025
Adjective
Prior to Waymo, Penn worked at Tesla when the electric vehicle maker was starting to mass produce its popular Model 3 sedans. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025 As the drive begins, the radio mentions civilians massed at national borders, and statements from the NATO Secretary General. David Katz, IndieWire, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass
Noun
  • This offers the populace some measure of accountability and contributes to the expectation that officers will perform their legal duties in keeping with their own departmental policies and within the boundaries of the law.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2025
  • Imagine arriving in Florence ready to guide and instruct the populace and instead being tussled over like a toy between two toddlers!
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • While Suzanne Morphew went missing in May 2020, her body wasn't found by investigators in Colorado until September 2023.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • From 2011 to 2015 McClay worked as a consultant advising firms and trade bodies on not-for-profit strategy and management, and on sustainable sourcing policies and standards.
    Alan McClay, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Woods has provided input on design and features, as well as significant feedback on aspects of the polos such as weight, collar stays, buttons, water absorbency, and fit.
    Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Skubal’s broad shoulders have thus far been well-suited to handle the weight.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • President Trump’s approval rating is underwater and a majority of voters believe the country is on the wrong track, according to a new poll released Friday.
    Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 27 June 2025
  • Where are the majority of U.S. hot car deaths Texas leads the nation with 160 hot car deaths, according to KidsandCarSafety.org.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Two National Guard members were stationed outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, surrounded by a throng of reporters surveying the graffiti and aftermath of Tuesday night’s protest.
    Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
  • As European cities grapple with overtourism, many have implemented tax hikes on tourists in an effort to curb the throngs of visitors.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Since founding his hugely successful e-commerce company Amazon in 1994, Jeff Bezos has accumulated a net worth that warrants his title as the third richest man on the planet.
    Diane J. Cho, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Dryer vents tend to gradually accumulate hair, dust, and lint during normal operation.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and Puma were among 76 companies that signed a letter in April addressed to Trump, asking for a footwear exemption from reciprocal tariffs.
    Michelle Chapman, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • In late May, Trump threatened to impose tariffs of 50% on imports from European Union nations, all of whom had already been subject to the reciprocal tariffs imposed in April.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • While Mojtaba is ideologically aligned with his father, Khomeini is viewed as a more moderate figure who could appeal to a discontented public and ease international tensions.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • The information available to the voting public focuses typically on the findings of a routine physical exam, resting electrocardiogram and standard laboratory tests.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mass. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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