crush 1 of 2

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
3
4
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
Conine’s crushing solo home run to left center field in the eighth inning tied the score and set the stage for the Marlins’ 13th walk-off win since the start of 2024 — most in the majors. Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025 Pastor Jamal Bryant is proud of his twin daughters, Angel and Adore Bryant, who are currently crushing it in college. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
While Davidson showed off his new crush during their time in Florida, one thing not on display were the actor's tattoos, which he's been in the painful process of removing. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 As a result of his life without physical pain, Nate lives a very insular existence outside of work until his long-standing crush and co-worker, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), makes the first move. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crush
Verb
  • The tableside guacamole—mashed to order and impossibly fresh—is a must, setting the stage for smoky, slow-roasted tacos and a cocktail list stacked with premium tequilas and mezcals.
    Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • There have been many posthumous releases of Biggie’s music including a 2005 album called Duets that saw Biggie’s verses mashed with new verses from modern artists.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Killorn had quelled the Rangers momentum with a short-handed equalizer less than two minutes before New York reassumed control.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Here and there, far from Meemaw’s grave, a few small trees attempted, unsuccessfully, to quell the rage of a Texas sun.
    Robert Moor, Outside Online, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Now, Lionel Messi and Miami have ground to make up on their home pitch.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • On TV and in real life, the bastards were grinding us down.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In my opinion, today's consumers are overwhelmed by noise—too many offers, messages and distractions.
    Ali Payani, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The book was a tale of heroic resistance, but stretched across so many years of television, the bursts of rebellion were overwhelmed by long periods of suffering.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Carving her own musical lane in an industry so determined to squeeze her into a box has been a challenge, but PinkPantheress isn’t one to let outside voices get to her.
    Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, this portable Bluetooth karaoke machine is small enough to squeeze into an Easter basket.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By eight, when the rabbi arrives to lead the prayers, the living room and kitchen are crammed with people.
    David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • That black blazer crammed into one of my four rolling racks?
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • My friend hugged me quickly and ran off consumed with hosting duties.
    Time, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Durango sits tucked into a valley of the San Juan Mountains, hugging the long and strong Animas River.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Kicking has turned into his new passion over the last few years.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Our Pause for Purpose curriculum is one example of an intentional step toward making a career change or pivot with passion and purpose.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crush. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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