as in gang
a group involved in secret or criminal activities the local Mafia largely finances itself through extortion rackets and drug trafficking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Mafia Presley’s friends in the Memphis Mafia were convinced that Elvis wanted to tour the world and blamed Parker’s fear of deportation. Kim Willis, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 Latin Mafia’s appearance at Lollapalooza felt, to many, like a tribute to Latin music. Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025 Swedish House Mafia plays the second weekend of Tomorrowland 2025 today. Katie Bain, Billboard, 25 July 2025 De Soto Music and shopping together The Rhythm & Roots Market will feature Superstar Mafia from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, in Downtown DeSoto. Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for Mafia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Mafia
Noun
  • Scherbatsky was once a child pop star who went by the name of Robin Sparkles, which totally blew the gang's minds.
    Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Witnesses told investigators that the men walked up to Medina and issued a gang challenge just before he was shot.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With his back against the wall, Tony must draw on his tactical training to protect his family and survive a deadly showdown with a powerful crime syndicate.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In 1985, Tortora was accused by several alleged ex-mobsters turned informants and state witnesses of being part of a Neapolitan crime syndicate dedicated to drug trafficking.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The jury convicted Patron of intentional killing while engaged in drug trafficking, hostage taking resulting in death and conspiracy to take hostages resulting in death.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Two young soldiers from each reality must unite to solve a government conspiracy.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Outside, Ali stood on top of a car and stoked the nascent mob, promising them a fight at a rec center a few miles away.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But they’re not made members of the McAlbert mob.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After provoking the ire of the college kids, Madea and her clan are subjected to a series of ghoulish pranks.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Yet the unit also targets dissenters and those, including various clans, some backed by Israel, that dare to defy Hamas’s rule.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But the virtual absence of the major broadcast networks across the board elsewhere only underscored how dramatically the business has shifted to streaming platforms.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • By making the cameras solar-powered and connected over cell networks, Flock brought the technology within reach of smaller towns and departments that couldn’t afford earlier systems.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mafia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Mafia. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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