mob
13 synonyms for mob, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large, disorderly crowd, especially one acting in an unruly or aggressive way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A large, disorderly crowd, especially one acting in an unruly or aggressive way.
“A noisy mob rushed through the market, knocking over several stalls.”
How to use mob
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
an angry mob
mob mentality
the mob (mafia)
Etymology
A shortening of the Latin phrase "mobile vulgus" ("fickle crowd"), via the English word "mobile."
Full origin of mob →Frequently asked questions
What does “mob” mean?
The word “mob” means a large, disorderly crowd, especially one acting in an unruly or aggressive way. In plain terms, a large, often unruly crowd of people, or (informally) organized crime.
How do you pronounce “mob”?
“Mob” is pronounced mob (/mɑb/ in IPA).
How do you use “mob” in a sentence?
Here is “mob” used in a sentence: “An angry mob gathered outside the courthouse.”
What part of speech is “mob”?
Depending on how it is used, “mob” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mob” come from?
The word “mob” comes from Latin. A shortening of the Latin phrase "mobile vulgus" ("fickle crowd"), via the English word "mobile.".
Is “mob” a common word?
“Mob” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mob” have?
“Mob” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, disorderly crowd, especially one acting in an unruly or aggressive way.
What is the difference between a mob and a crowd?
A crowd is simply a large gathering of people, while a mob is a large, disorderly crowd, especially one acting in an unruly or aggressive way. Calling a group a mob implies it is out of control or threatening, so the word is far more negative than crowd.
Does the Mob mean the Mafia?
Yes. Used with the, and often capitalised, the Mob refers to organized crime, especially the Mafia, as in a mob boss or mob ties.
