masses
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for masses, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Ordinary people in general, especially thought of as a large group.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use masses
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “masses” mean?
The word “masses” means ordinary people in general, especially thought of as a large group. In plain terms, big groups of ordinary people, as opposed to a small privileged few.
How do you pronounce “masses”?
“Masses” is pronounced MAS-ihz (/ˈmæs.ɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “masses” in a sentence?
Here is “masses” used in a sentence: “The politician claimed to speak for the masses, not the elite.”
What part of speech is “masses”?
“Masses” is a noun.
Is “masses” a common word?
“Masses” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “masses” have?
“Masses” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: ordinary people in general, especially thought of as a large group.
What is the difference between the masses and the public?
Both refer to ordinary people in general, but 'the masses' pictures them as a single large body and can sound impersonal or dismissive. 'The public' is a more neutral term for people as a whole, especially in relation to services, opinion, or government.
What is the difference between the masses and a crowd?
'The masses' means ordinary people in general, imagined as a huge, undefined group across society. A crowd is a specific gathering of people in one place at one time, so it is far smaller and more concrete than the masses.
Does 'the masses' have a positive or negative tone?
The phrase is often neutral but can carry a slightly negative or condescending tone, suggesting a faceless multitude rather than distinct individuals. Context and the speaker's attitude decide whether it sounds respectful or dismissive.