Definition of mobnext

mob

2 of 2

verb

as in to flock
to move upon or fill (something) in great numbers the snack bar was mobbed as soon as the meeting was over

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mob differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mob are crowd, crush, horde, and throng. While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," mob implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence.

an angry mob

Where would crowd be a reasonable alternative to mob?

While the synonyms crowd and mob are close in meaning, crowd implies a close gathering and pressing together.

a crowd gathered

In what contexts can crush take the place of mob?

The words crush and mob are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crush emphasizes the compactness of the group, the difficulty of individual movement, and the attendant discomfort.

a crush of fans

How do throng and horde relate to one another, in the sense of mob?

Both throng and horde suggest movement and pushing.

a throng of reporters
a horde of shoppers

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 mob
Noun
In the original show, Jonny is a powerful member of the Irish mob in London, serving as a soldier and drug distributor for his uncle, Tadgh McGee (Brian Gleeson). Joe Otterson, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Bullock was her co-star’s sartorial opposite, embracing a mob wife style moment in a structured leopard print gown from Givenchy’s fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
Ezequiel Duran #20 of the Texas Rangers is mobbed by teammates after a walk-off double that scored the game winning run against the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning at Globe Life Field on August 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 By Beabadoobee’s set time, the area was already mobbed with a full crowd of people as far as the eye could see. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mob
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mob
Noun
  • The decision to present Nico to the St James’ crowd ahead of the West Bromwich Albion Carabao Cup tie was inspired, perpetuating the positivity brought about by the training-ground announcement and opening-day Liverpool draw.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Hershey is one of several big candy and snack-makers trying to cultivate younger crowds with new flavors and textures.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the Mob Museum reported, Mafia violence was also on the rise in Vegas during the 70s.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Expanding on sounds pioneered by his Memphis predecessors, such as Three 6 Mafia and 8Ball & MJG, Tay Keith carved his own lane.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • China also hopes to encourage more citizens to exercise, thereby making an aging populace more active and reducing strain on the health system.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Each year, hordes of celebrities — including A-list musicians — flock to The Met in New York City to walk the red carpet in avant-garde outfits inspired by the Costume Institute’s spring theme.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026
  • After news of her passing broke on August 25, fans flocked to the estate to pay respects, per WKRN.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Over the past few days, the people at the front of the lines have gradually moved closer and closer to the courtroom, to the point where the doors can barely open without bumping into a throng of people.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • My waxer told me of a client who got her foot stuck among a moving throng—her leg went snap.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • McFarlane, Jonathan Bowlan, Orion Kerkering and the gang could then take on lesser roles.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Bakewell’s donations weren’t the only ones to pose issues for Brotherhood Crusade, which provides an array of services aimed at keeping kids from joining gangs.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • It’s been just a few years since ChatGPT’s release to public in late 2022, democratizing access to chatbots with the ability to answer increasingly personal questions using language from the whole of the internet.
    Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026
  • When a self-serving gatekeeper in that position helps divide inventory between what the broad public can see and what only market insiders can see, the result is a less transparent and competitive market.
    Tomas J. Philipson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There were swarms of flies and numerous rats at, near or on the bodies.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Launching swarms of small, light interceptors to defend the United States from incoming nuclear missiles may no longer be so far-fetched.
    Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mob.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mob. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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