as in gang
a group involved in secret or criminal activities
the local Mafia largely finances itself through extortion rackets and drug trafficking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 Mafia
Snuffy is the nickname of Manuel Quintero, alleged by Los Angeles County prosecutors to be a member of the Mexican Mafia, a group of about 140 men who rule over Southern California’s Latino street gangs.
—
Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Cockney con man Michael Caine, recently released from the clink, puts together a truly ludicrous heist to steal $4 million in Mafia gold bullion from the middle of Turin using Mini Coopers.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Seven people were indicted in connection to the ‘largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.’
19 people were charged in an alleged Mexican Mafia conspiracy to kill L.A. rap artist.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for Mafia
Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Cockney con man Michael Caine, recently released from the clink, puts together a truly ludicrous heist to steal $4 million in Mafia gold bullion from the middle of Turin using Mini Coopers.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Seven people were indicted in connection to the ‘largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.’
19 people were charged in an alleged Mexican Mafia conspiracy to kill L.A. rap artist.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for Mafia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Mafia
Noun
-
America's brave men and women are removing murderers, MS-13 gang members, pedophiles, rapists—truly the worst of the worst from Golden State communities.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
The gangs also received backing from other criminal groups operating in Port-au-Prince— particularly the gangs from Canaan, Grand Ravine and Village de Dieu.—
Jacqueline Charles
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The drama from showrunners J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan starred Josh Holloway as a getaway driver working for an Arizona crime syndicate and Rachel Hilson as an FBI agent.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
9 July 2025
-
Set in the Southwest in the 1972, Duster tells the story of the FBI’s first Black woman agent, Nina Hayes, played by Rachel Hilson, who will have to overcome many obstacles to stop a crime syndicate.—
Maelle Beauget-Uhl,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
One co-conspirator was charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy for attempting to conceal and destroy evidence and faces up to 10 years in prison, The Center Square reported.—
Bethany Blankley,
The Washington Examiner,
11 July 2025
-
Worse, she’s being painted as a de facto Deep State operative in an administration obsessed with Deep State conspiracies lurking under every desk.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
However, in 1921, white mobs, aided by local officials, set fire to the district, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands.—
Jasmine Browley,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
-
Small, hairy hominids emerge — but the twist is that Superman must protect these Mole Men from the prairie mob who want to shoot the outsiders on sight.—
Los Angeles Times Staff,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
The Miller clan, led by its head huncho Master P, were there to dominate everything from music to business in a way that had never been done before from southern artists (or MOST artists in fact).—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
26 June 2025
-
These are Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake. Baptism of Fire sees Geralt caught between two warring clans, and Ciri join a group of thieves called The Rats.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The Value of Safe, Supportive Spaces These networks are also important for building confidence.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
After a successful career as a top NFL running back, McCoy earned himself a spot on FS1's network due to his unfiltered takes on football.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mafia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Mafia. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share