MASS Synonyms: 392 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'mass' different from other nouns like it?

The words bulk and volume are common synonyms of mass . While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind. // a mass of boulders

Q: Where would 'bulk' be a reasonable alternative to 'mass'?

While the synonyms bulk and mass are close in meaning, bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous. // the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

Q: In what contexts can 'volume' take the place of 'mass'?

The words volume and mass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating. // a tremendous volume of water

mass 1 of 3

noun

Definition of mass

as in populace

masses plural the body of the community as contrasted with the elite the masses demanded the elimination of tax breaks for the rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in loads

a considerable amount I have a mass of work to do tonight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in body

a distinct and separate portion of matter a mass of leaves in a corner of the yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in weight

the main or greater part of something as distinguished from its subordinate parts when taking pictures, focus your attention on the mass of the main subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in majority

the largest part or quantity of something believes that the great mass of voters are in the political center and consider themselves neither conservative nor liberal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in throng

a great number of persons or creatures massed together a huge mass of people had gathered in the park to protest the government's latest policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

mass

2 of 3

adjective

as in reciprocal

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

mass

3 of 3

verb

as in to accumulate

to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass clouds massing on the western side of the mountain range

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mass different from other nouns like it?

The words bulk and volume are common synonyms of mass. While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind.

a mass of boulders

Where would bulk be a reasonable alternative to mass?

While the synonyms bulk and mass are close in meaning, bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous.

the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

In what contexts can volume take the place of mass?

The words volume and mass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating.

a tremendous volume of water

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 mass

Noun

Just the supplement alone will work magic on your lean mass and strength. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026 The Canadian province of British Columbia is also suing OpenAI over the mass shooting. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 15 Oct. 2026

Adjective

That followed mass demonstrations earlier this month, with students decrying run-down classrooms, missing teachers, and buildings that aren’t equipped for rising temperatures. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Skillful organizers who belonged to the Communist Party incited mass movements during the 1930s and World War II. — Michael Kazin, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 2026

Verb

Skip mass applying tools Hiring professionals agree now is not the time to mass apply to jobs. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026 Thousands had massed in the same street just a few years before. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mass

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass

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

Noun

The deck replacement is necessary because traffic loads on the span have become increasingly heavy, and salt air has eroded bridge materials.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
According to Formlabs, this improves strength, toughness, heat resistance, and resistance to gradual deformation under sustained loads, while producing a harder, less tacky surface.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of loads

Noun

His son, Gal Meir, was killed in Gaza in December 2023, during an operation to recover the bodies of two Israeli hostages.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
She was treated at hospitals in Ramallah and Israel for lacerations across her body, a broken rib and four broken vertebrae.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of body

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

Adjective

Ideally, a reciprocal halt in long-range air and missile attacks could then be replicated across other sectors—maritime, commercial, and transportation—thus forming the basis of a broader aerial cease-fire.

— Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
The Houthis now claim the right to impose reciprocal restrictions on Saudi Arabia, particularly by targeting its ports and oil-exporting infrastructure.

— Laurent Bonnefoy, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of reciprocal

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masques

mass

massacre

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

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Synonyms of mass

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verb

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