crowd 1 of 2

Definition of crowdnext
1
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

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crowd

2 of 2

verb

1
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

2
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

3

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
After retaining his parallel giant slalom crown in Livigno on Sunday, the 40-year-old celebrated by ripping off his top, baring his chest to the frenzied crowd, before flexing his muscles and dropping facedown on the snow. Ben Church, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026 Where there would once be huge lively crowds gathering in support of Hong Kong’s democracy figures, the mood was subdued and yet at the same time on edge. ABC News, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
It’s often crowded, especially the temporary exhibits, so try to arrive first thing in the morning and avoid weekends if possible. Katie James Watkinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 On Sunday afternoon, roughly an hour before the NFL Super Bowl was set to begin, Decatur’s Thinking Man Tavern was already crowded. Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crowd
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crowd
Noun
  • Diabate went right back at Duren, and a throng of bodies assembled.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The 59-year-old grumbled that gladhanding throngs of supporters in dusty villages had left him prey to bugs and viruses.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The synthetic opioid is far more potent than heroin and has devastated communities across the country.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The fall of el-Fasher in October 2025 to the Rapid Support Forces set off an exodus of people to nearby towns, straining the resources of neighboring communities and driving up food insecurity rates, the report said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In Ukraine, besides sleet and snow, the daily forecast includes drones and missiles raining down on the war-weary populace.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Neither of the first two games was overly competitive, although the local populace had no problem with the result of the first one.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • By keeping people out of the conversation, utilities can proceed with business-as-usual—stuffing their wallets.
    Kendall Keelen, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
  • She is seen approving invitations, trying on her dress, and, at one point, approving an appetizer that consists of caviar stuffed into a literal golden egg.
    Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Longtime supporters have jumped ship, viewing the LDP as too old-fashioned and center-leaning, and instead flocked to new right-wing parties.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Singaporeans and international travelers also flock here to hang out on the beaches, zip line at Mega Adventure Park, shop at the massive luxury galleria, and more.
    Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Tokyo — In scenes normally reserved for J-pop stars, thousands of fans huddle against the cold outside a small train station on the outskirts of Tokyo, their phones held high for a glimpse of Japan’s latest obsession.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The couple huddles around a gas heater inside their home with their daughter and 4-year-old granddaughter to try and stay warm.
    Kati Weis, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Bodies were found throughout the building, some stacked on top of one another, with swarms of bugs and decomposition fluid covering the floors, investigators said.
    Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In September, a swarm of Russian drones flew into Poland's airspace, prompting NATO aircraft to scramble to intercept them and shoot down some of the devices.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Harding is the best floor general out of the bunch, while Pierre is the most experienced guard.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Floridians are a practical bunch.
    Sean Parks, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crowd.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crowd. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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