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

2 of 3

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

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

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
Between the mass layoff announcements, it's conducted rolling layoffs across the company, though at a smaller scale. Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 There is significant risk that, given the limited evidence specific to individuals, mass trials risk convicting innocent people. Will Barker, TheWeek, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Jakarta authorities have responded with mass removals, targeting the janitor fish in city waterways. ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 Ottawa — Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, has formally apologized to the community of Tumbler Ridge, BC, after a mass shooting in February. Paula Newton, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
The nectar plants should be massed together in groups of three and five by color. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 3 Apr. 2026 Such shootings have ranged from isolated events between service members to mass casualty events, such as the shooting by an Army psychiatrist at Texas' Ford Hood in 2009 that left 13 people dead. CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass
Noun
  • Fishback, on the other hand, stands strongly opposed to these corporate interests while remaining electable to the general populace.
    Thomas C. Shank, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Barak was cognizant of how the Arab populace would perceive Israeli involvement.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • During construction, this plate is embedded into the concrete foundation to distribute design loads to the civil structure while ensuring the alignment of the plant’s mechanical systems.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Einride's proprietary optimization software, Saga AI, is also being used to manage EV execution of select Amazon loads, including charging planning.
    Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The egrets flew more slowly, their long bodies looking dark gray against the sunset as the sky turned to a pale purple.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Made with 61 percent cotton, 35 percent Tencel and 4 percent elastmultiester, the fabrics give garments a soft drape away from the body while maintaining the stretch, structure and smoothing properties.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And as this headline suggests, today’s distribution agreements really are true partnerships that require filmmakers to pull their share of the marketing weight.
    Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026
  • For the minimalist, the mill brought back shrink-to-fit fabrics available in rigid and comfort stretch and introduced transparent coatings for bottom and shirting weights and PFDs with prominent crosshatch.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The agency added city funding is expected to make up the majority of its staffing budget going forward, making its future structure heavily dependent on decisions by the City of Los Angeles.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The majority of the 200+ cast and crew hails from Costa Rica, with several contributors coming from other parts of Latin America.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Honk asked if many people, perhaps not seeing those signs, believe a throng of solo drivers are violating the law.
    Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In its early years, the mall hosted a variety of celebrities and entertainment, from walk-around cartoon characters for throngs of exuberant kids to a visit from Chicago radio icon Dick Biondi for autographs.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • When the queen visited in 1976, British officials discussed whether to invite Carter, then the likely Democratic nominee, to the reciprocal dinner at the British Embassy to meet her.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Stefanishyna envisions a reciprocal partnership with Washington, in which each side can provide the other with critical assistance.
    Trudy Rubin, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Dander, fur, and dust can accumulate quickly, especially in spaces with carpeting or heavy foot traffic, where particles tend to settle and recirculate throughout the day.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • As people returned from their Earth Week effort to clear trash accumulated over the winter from Waukegan Municipal Beach on Saturday, two were lugging large rusted pieces of steel.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mass. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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