throng 1 of 2

throng

2 of 2

verb

as in to flock
to move upon or fill (something) in great numbers fans thronged the field to celebrate the win

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun throng differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of throng are crowd, crush, horde, and mob. While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," throng and horde suggest movement and pushing.

a throng of reporters
a horde of shoppers

When might crowd be a better fit than throng?

While in some cases nearly identical to throng, crowd implies a close gathering and pressing together.

a crowd gathered

When can crush be used instead of throng?

The synonyms crush and throng are sometimes interchangeable, but crush emphasizes the compactness of the group, the difficulty of individual movement, and the attendant discomfort.

a crush of fans

Where would mob be a reasonable alternative to throng?

The words mob and throng are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mob implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence.

an angry mob

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 throng
Noun
The button on this scene comes when a throng of DEA agents arrive to search Prado’s gallery. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025 In comments that were blasted on speakers throughout Foley Square, Khalil’s attorneys addressed throngs of demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and placards bearing Khalil’s photo. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
Both will be thronged with fans for the visit of Newcastle. Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025 The hundreds who had gathered at Ramallah’s Cultural Palace thronged the arriving bus. Ghada Abdulfattah, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throng
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throng
Noun
  • The pontiff, who had been facing major health issues in the past several weeks, used an aide, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, to deliver his Easter Sunday speech to a crowd gathered at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the bad moment the team was experiencing, the Bernabeu crowd also applauded Raul Asencio and Tchouameni after two good defensive actions in the first half.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • So many players have flocked to the internet because what happened on Sunday was historic.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Further west, the Galician coast also serves as a treasure trove of natural beauty, with tourists flocking to Muros thanks to its scenic harborside vistas.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Especially in the spring, when young dancers at the peak of their health, promise, and physical strength swarm rehearsal studios for Broadway Bares.
    Mark Harris, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Once a new location has been identified, the swarm will move on to settle into their permanent colony.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The torturous clobbering comes after Joel saves Abby from infected hordes and is coldly executed in front of his surrogate daughter, Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The Battle Of Jackson Hole Speaking of Game Of Thrones, the Cordyceps horde attacks Jackson Hole and overwhelms the town’s impressive defenses.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Throng.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throng. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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