CROWD Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

crowd 1 of 2

noun

Definition of crowd

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

Relevance

as in community

a group of people sharing a common interest and relating together socially the fashionable crowd at the polo tournament

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in populace

the body of the community as contrasted with the elite no national leader was ever more hated by the crowd

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

crowd

2 of 2

verb

ˈkrau̇d

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

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

as in to huddle

to gather into a closely packed group everyone crowded around to see the baby being shown off by his proud parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Consider the late Queen Elizabeth II wearing chartreuse to stand out in a crowd, or Princess Anne signaling a paradoxical lesson in royal frugality by rewearing a 42-year-old dress. — Eva Wolchover, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026 Around them, people strolling through Herald Square stopped to watch — all while a seated crowd burst into dance and applause. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Verb

The politics of the place are fuzzy, and will stay that way, because while the streets are crowded with aliens of all shapes, sizes, and species, being non-human is seemingly looked down upon. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026 Religion, fear, prejudice, affection, money, family history, and bewilderment can crowd the same room. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crowd

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crowd

Noun

Outside, a throng of revelers were waiting to navigate the same journey as Williams, McRae, and their respective entourages.

— Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026
Set the scene Deep in verdant Bogawantalawa Valley, the serenity here is a welcome break from the throng of the south coast beaches.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of throng

Noun

Learning from those conversations and becoming part of a large community expands the scope of what is possible is Mahama’s practice.

— Gameli Hamelo, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Rowling has been staunchly critical of transgender rights activists, funding legal efforts to protect women’s rights and penning X/Twitter posts that are considered to be attacks by the trans community.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of community

Noun

Despite Jack’s best efforts to bring Christmas cheer to the world, his gifts horrify the populace.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Oct. 2026
The decision was ultimately reversed by a New York Supreme Court judge, on the grounds that Warren violated the populace’s religious liberties.

— Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of populace

Verb

Miami stopped on fourth down again Canes stuffed on fourth down for a second consecutive drive.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
On the first play, the Jayhawks stuffed Joe Jackson — on his eighth straight rushing attempt — from the 1 on fourth down, leaving Kansas State’s lead at 25-24.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of stuff

Noun

However, don't expect a repeat in 2026 — the next predicted Taurid fireball swarm isn't expected until 2032.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Instead of sending one expensive robot to do a job, a swarm of cheaper hopping ones could monitor water and soil, inspect oil refineries, and explore other locations that are difficult to reach.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of swarm

Noun

Rounding things out are a bunch of regional banks, American Express , Netflix , Procter & Gamble , and oilfield services companies SLB and Halliburton .

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
But Brolin and creator Brian Watkins’ take on the subgenre was easily the most interesting and ambitious of the bunch.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bunch

Browse Nearby Words

crow's nests

crowd

crowded

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Crowd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crowd. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of crowd

noun

verb

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Synonyms of crowd

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

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Articles Related to crowd

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical...

Cite this Entry

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