crush 1 of 2

Definition of crushnext
1
as in to mash
to cause to become a pulpy mass dark-colored grapes that will be crushed to make red wine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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5
as in to squeeze
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of after crushing the grapes, let the skins soak in the juice in order to extract some color

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
as in to cram
to fit (people or things) into a tight space the desperate refugees were crushed into the back of the truck

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

crush

2 of 2

noun

1
as in passion
a strong but often short-lived liking for another person fondly remembers the crush that she had on a boy one summer long ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun crush differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crush are crowd, horde, mob, and throng. While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," crush emphasizes the compactness of the group, the difficulty of individual movement, and the attendant discomfort.

a crush of fans

When might crowd be a better fit than crush?

While the synonyms crowd and crush are close in meaning, crowd implies a close gathering and pressing together.

a crowd gathered

When is mob a more appropriate choice than crush?

The words mob and crush can be used in similar contexts, but 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 crush?

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 crush
Verb
When thousands tried to escape, many were crushed because the gates were locked. Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 June 2026 Our 14-tribe coalition had a clear plan to put solar and battery storage on thousands of homes to provide relief from crushing utility bills, sub-zero cold, and clean energy jobs for young people. Cody Two Bears, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Noun
What begins as a fake dating arrangement designed to make Hannah's crush, singer Justin Kohl (Josh Heuston), jealous eventually develops into a genuine romance. Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 Olive’s fake-dating ruse stems from wanting to let her best friend Anh (Marsh) date her crush Jeremy (Duvernay). Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crush
Verb
  • Every kernel of corn, rye, wheat, and barley that goes into a Frey Ranch whiskey is grown on the ranch, the barley malted on-site, milled, mashed, distilled, aged, and bottled within the same property.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • Roasting peaches intensifies their flavor, and in this old-school recipe, they're mashed and mixed into a rich custard before churning into a creamy, fruit-forward ice cream.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Authorities lifted the order hours later as crews quelled the flames.
    Sydney Barragan, Daily News, 18 June 2026
  • But the back half is a heady object lesson in the limits of partnership—how even the right person can’t fully quell whatever torment lurks in the recesses of one’s consciousness.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • That ability, according to a white paper by one of the manufacturers, is possible through technology that allows an agent to communicate with the drone and substitute themselves as the operator, take it over and ground it.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • The Food Processor quickly chops, slices, and shreds a wide array of ingredients for unlimited culinary creations, while the Coffee & Spice Grinder efficiently grinds coffee beans, spices, and herbs for superior flavor and potency.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Stunned by the image, Charlie is overwhelmed by memories and guilt, and begins clutching his chest in an apparent heart attack.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026
  • Employees were overwhelmed by long hours, unrealistic expectations and constant connectivity.
    ByBryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Profits are squeezed because of the RAM crisis and Samsung has responded with price increases and weaker deals.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
  • SpaceX argues that orbital data centers sidestep the land, water and power grid constraints squeezing terrestrial AI.
    Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Now, people have been crammed into around 40 percent of the space left to them — sheltering among broken buildings, rubble and mounting solid waste.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • The DeSantis aide who drafted the map crammed as many Democrats as possible into the 20th District, which made the adjacent district more Republican-oriented.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Cars honked their horns and cyclists pulled over to tune in as flags fluttered in the wind, fans clambered to see the screen, and people hugged and shouted.
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 17 June 2026
  • The two young white women with long, straight hair hugged me and cooed and wiped my eyes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Surrounded by custom paintwork and gleaming chrome, Ugaz said the opportunity to share his passion and craftsmanship with the broader San Francisco community was especially meaningful given the stereotypes lowrider enthusiasts have faced over the years.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • Most people who go on safari are adventurous and love animals, so seeing the Big Five on land and then experiencing all the marine life in the ocean is unique combination that satisfies so many different interests and passions.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crush. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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