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mob

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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
Image Image Image Image Dozens of coyotes live in San Francisco, with small packs controlling specific territories like mob families. Heather Knight, New York Times, 19 May 2025 Both of these individuals were brutally murdered by a mob of correction officers and supervisors. Julia Salazar, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
Verb
The preview day was quite crowded, even mobbed at times, with eager buyers, including some high-profile collectors. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Her teammates then mobbed her with a huge celebration for her first goal. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mob
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mob
Noun
  • The Ronna’s Hut owner is gearing up for a much bigger crowd on June 7 because word of mouth for some reason is strong, with thousands of comments left on the festival’s social media.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
  • In April, a 30-year-old man sped an SUV down a closed street into a crowd of people attending a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, Canada, killing 11.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • He’s collaborated with other dance heavyweights, including Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris and Armand van Helden.
    Xander Zellner, Billboard, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • In this case, the first task is to acquaint the local populace with the new part-owner and his significance before the franchise can capitalize on his worldwide stature in the sport.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 May 2025
  • Whether this research method is an adequate representation of the populace at large is an open question.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • As technology got better, so did the ability to create waves both experienced surfers would flock to, as well as a place newcomers intimidated by the unpredictability of the ocean – or the thought of sharks lingering nearby — could enjoy.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 30 May 2025
  • To perform that final song, all artists flocked to the stage and later waved goodbye to fans all together.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • As throngs jammed the street in front of the building, the Native Sons fired off Roman candles, pinwheels, and rockets, in celebration of America’s birthday.
    Michael Luo, New Yorker, 20 May 2025
  • Standing amid a throng of fellow protesters outside the Supreme Court Thursday morning, Young Woon Han was worried about his future son or daughter.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Every Dawson's Creek fan remembers when most of the gang spent spring break at Aunt Gwen's (Julie Bowen) mountainside home, a.k.a.
    Breanne L. Heldman, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • An undercover recording obtained of an MS-13 meeting that took place six weeks after the murder captured one MS-13 member acknowledging his participation in the murder, and other gang members disciplining him for leaving Massachusetts after the murder without the gang’s permission.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The other good news is that federal wildlife crossing grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation/FHWA are providing vital revenue to help states improve highway safety for the traveling public and the many special creatures who live within our nation.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Meghan Markle will never win over UK public again, author claims Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of My Mother and I, discusses how the Duchess of Sussex isn't going to be welcomed back across the pond anytime soon following her royal exit.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Sasse, a former U.S. senator with little higher education experience before he was tapped as UF’s president, was greeted by a swarm of protestors who stormed the alumni hall’s lobby after a meeting with students ended.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025
  • He was quickly enveloped in a swarm of church hats.
    Eric Lach, New Yorker, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mob.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mob. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mob

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