mob 1 of 2

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
Prosecutors said the pair is part of an Eastern European criminal organization with ties to Iran and wanted to use the bounty to build power and influence in the Russian mob. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2025 In the end, of course, an angry mob does chase the monsters around the castle, only to be chased by them in return (the monsters having rediscovered their reason for being), which results in some serviceable monster slapstick. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
But Klein kept going and was mobbed by teammates after Freeman’s home run. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025 Freeman was mobbed by teammates after hitting the walk-off home run. Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mob
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mob
Noun
  • Bovino had been ordered to appear in court after plaintiffs accused him of throwing a tear gas canister into a crowd of demonstrators without justification or warning – a characterization DHS has rebutted.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Outfielder Kiké Hernández had some fun at Drake’s expense and took a playful shot at Drizzy when addressing the Dodger Stadium crowd on the mic.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The series follows the Black Mafia Family in Detroit and is based on a true story.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • On the surface, the crime drama follows the rise and fall of the Black Mafia Family — one of the most influential crime families in the country.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • As 39% of the United Kingdom populace struggles to heat their homes, Edelstyn and Powell huddle under blankets themselves, trying vainly to warm up with endless mugs of tea.
    Will Tizard, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Each district sends two children as tributes to the fight-to-the-death Hunger Games, concocted by the capitol to keep the populace distracted.
    Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In ever greater numbers, Elizabeth’s subjects flocked north to ingratiate themselves with the Queen’s likely successor.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Instagram users flocked to the comments section of her old post, reflecting on her message of unity and peace.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The outing—which, according to local reports, appeared to be equal parts publicity stunt, cultural gesture, and celebration of potential new AI partnerships—drew throngs of spectators with flashing cameras, and sent South Korean fried-chicken stocks soaring.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
  • To avoid the throngs of high-season tourists, consider visiting the Italian town from March to May or September to November, during its shoulder seasons.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Uncovered, in which he is brought into the scammers’ world by mysterious gang boss Abdul and learns just how deep the operation goes.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
  • In 2021, the most recent year for which there’s data, more than 800,000 Filipinos were kidnapped by the gangs who dominate this trade in the South Pacific.
    Natalia Paradies, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The pair took their relationship public in September 2024, a year-and-a-half after Boss’ death.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Proxy advisory firms have long held sway over Wall Street, but their recommendations are even more prominent today, when almost two thirds of the American public has a stake in the stock market .
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An American father and son died after being stung by a swarm of hornets while ziplining in Southeast Asia, local officials confirmed.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The next Southern Taurid swarm isn’t expected until November 2032.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mob.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mob. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mob

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!