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 next

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

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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

Their presence showed exactly how the city’s fashion crowd merges refinement with realness—creating moments that feel both elevated and accessible to all. —

Stixx Mathews, Essence, 7 Feb. 2025 For 14 years, Bobby Lutz never stepped inside the arena where his Charlotte teams once ignited crowds, qualified for five NCAA tournaments and turned him into the winningest coach in 49ers men’s basketball history. —

Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2025

Verb

Authorities had prepared for a record number of devotees, but crowd control efforts failed to prevent the tragic incident. —

Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 One helicopter, the Guardian 1, used heat sensors to identify the group of three men who had become stranded with injuries on a steep section of the mountain crowded by tall trees. —

Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for crowd

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crowd

Noun

All manners of gifts are passed up to them from the throng of people in front of their podiums.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
The video included voiceover of Payne alongside clips of him on stage and waving to throngs of excited fans.

— Lauren Huff, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2025