mass 1 of 3

Definition of massnext
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as in body
a distinct and separate portion of matter a mass of leaves in a corner of the yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in majority
the largest part or quantity of something believes that the great mass of voters are in the political center and consider themselves neither conservative nor liberal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in throng
a great number of persons or creatures massed together a huge mass of people had gathered in the park to protest the government's latest policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

mass

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adjective

mass

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verb

as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass clouds massing on the western side of the mountain range

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mass different from other nouns like it?

The words bulk and volume are common synonyms of mass. While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind.

a mass of boulders

Where would bulk be a reasonable alternative to mass?

While the synonyms bulk and mass are close in meaning, bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous.

the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

In what contexts can volume take the place of mass?

The words volume and mass are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating.

a tremendous volume of water

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 mass
Noun
Fans have been making the pilgrimage for years, but photographs of a mass gathering on the bridge between the band’s Prague concerts in 2024 appear to have helped fuel a modern-day boom. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 This sees the star's core, with a mass between one and two times that of the sun, crush down to a width of around 12 miles (20 kilometers). — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Fortich foresees a mass exodus of teachers if the supplement isn’t extended. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026 Cotton farmers represent an indispensable link in the upstream fashion supply chain, cultivating the very crops that make their way into garments spanning seasonality and circumstances, for brands ranging from mass market to luxury. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
As technology changes battlefields, traditional principles for creating a military advantage—such as maneuvering forces and massing combat power—are becoming harder to apply, driving wars toward attrition. — Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026 In this way, massed FPV drones can produce the same tactical and psychological effects traditionally generated by sustained artillery bombardment. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mass
Noun
  • The decision was ultimately reversed by a New York Supreme Court judge, on the grounds that Warren violated the populace’s religious liberties.
    — Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The entire populace is beholden to Billy’s stepmom, Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan), their resident Manhunter in hiding.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • And some manage the difficult trick of tasting like fall without giving off loads of scented-candle energy.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • PlusAI uses sand to simulate the loads its trailers must carry to support research and development testing, as carrying the material closely mimics real freight conditions.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The third, Surrender, is a massage performed in water, in which the buoyancy and warmth allow the body to completely relax and let go.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The tomb’s entrance passage, with narrowing walls and descending axis, creates a liminal stage to orient the body before entering the burial chamber.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Several of the organs around her neck had hemorrhaging, which was worse in her spleen, which Lew said could mean weight was applied to her body.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Retatrutide has produced some of the largest weight loss results reported in obesity drug trials to date, and Bikman said published data on the drug demonstrate substantial reductions in liver fat, triglycerides and fasting insulin.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In June, venture capital and private equity firm HSG completed its investment in Golden Goose, becoming its majority shareholder.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Even though the vast majority of prescriptions are written for generic drugs, drug spending is surging faster than any other category — and drugs have been eating more of the employer’s premium for multiple years now.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Set the scene Deep in verdant Bogawantalawa Valley, the serenity here is a welcome break from the throng of the south coast beaches.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Word spread quickly, and soon a throng of smartphone-wielding citizens had surrounded the immigration enforcement van, which couldn’t move because one enterprising, early-arriving activist had slid underneath it.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The United States and China released Monday reciprocal lists of products worth about $30 billion each that will see tariff cuts, in a deal expected to boost bilateral trade.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • In another list were Washington’s reciprocal tariff cuts for Chinese small appliances such as coffee makers and toasters, tableware, blankets and bed linens.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, overtones accumulate and churn and a loose banner of guitar is draped across the song.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Because microorganisms in water turn regular mercury into methylmercury, a toxic chemical form that binds tightly to fish tissue, the heavy metal accumulates to higher levels in aquatic animals.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mass. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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