crowd 1 of 2

1
as in throng
a great number of persons or creatures massed together a huge crowd of fans was on hand to greet the returning World Series champions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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crowd

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to stuff
to fit (people or things) into a tight space crowded all the boats into the harbor before the storm struck

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to flock
to move upon or fill (something) in great numbers cars crowded the roads over the long holiday weekend

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun crowd differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crowd are crush, horde, mob, and throng. While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," crowd implies a close gathering and pressing together.

a crowd gathered

Where would crush be a reasonable alternative to crowd?

The words crush and crowd 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

When might mob be a better fit than crowd?

While in some cases nearly identical to crowd, mob implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence.

an angry mob

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

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 crowd
Noun
These destinations will usually offer lower prices and fewer crowds. Ann Abel, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025 Among the bustling crowd was 81-year-old Katherine Wardlaw, who attended the event with her family. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Verb
About seventy people crowded onto a vehicle intended for forty-five. Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 Some of the popular gigs are already getting crowded. Shuli Ren, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for crowd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crowd
Noun
  • As part of the celebration, someone blew bubbles amid the throng of Pointers.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • On Tuesday, a massive throng of Palestinians overran the first GHF aid site in southern Gaza, tearing down some of the fencing and climbing over crowd control barriers.
    Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Support for Trump among likely Cuban American voters in Miami was at an all-time high on the eve of last year’s election, according to a poll by Florida International University, which has been tracking the Cuban American community since 1991.
    Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson will push forward this spring an ordinance designed to reform land-use policies that environmentalists say for decades led to pollution in Black and Latino communities.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 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
  • Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also seized three cellphones found inside a Balenciaga boot, a Gucci pouch stuffed with ketamine and MDMA and a .45-caliber handgun discovered tucked away in a red suitcase.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • The resulting confusion is a good reminder about how many provisions can be stuffed in a single bill, presenting challenges for writers (like this one), voters (like you), and members of Congress.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 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
  • A little over an hour from Nashville Country music fans flock to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, the 3,500-acre property that makes up the town of Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba huddled with advisers for more than 20 hours of preparatory meetings ahead of his showdown the same month, a person familiar with the planning said.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 22 May 2025
  • In a postgame huddle, some Aledo players shared tears and thoughts on the 2025 season.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Joseph Quinn’s Hellfire Club captain Eddie, a new fan favorite, sadly perished after being attacked by a swarm of Demobats in Episode 9.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 2 June 2025
  • These swarms are faster, more adaptive, and more resilient.
    Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Other than capitalizing on its popularity and maybe making a bunch of money, what is the point of a live-action version of this game?
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • That means a revisit for old fans who grew up with Stitch's shenanigans alongside his young Hawaiian bestie Lilo and a fresh bunch of little movie lovers discovering the adorable pals for the first time.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crowd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crowd. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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