Mafia

noun

ˈmä-fē-ə How to pronounce Mafia (audio)
Definition of Mafianext
as in gang
a group involved in secret or criminal activities the local Mafia largely finances itself through extortion rackets and drug trafficking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Mafia More than 30 people, including members and associates of four major Mafia crime families, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and ex-NBA player Damon Jones, have been ensnared in the scheme. — Tom Winter, NBC news, 10 June 2026 The Alphabet Mafia will not stand for straight attractive White girls to dominate their sport, regardless of the success that the new class has brought the league. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 The game, which is essentially Mafia, hit big with nearly 500 million monthly active users by its peak in the fourth quarter of 2020, no doubt fueled by the at-home isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026 Presley’s friends in the Memphis Mafia were convinced that Elvis wanted to tour the world and blamed Parker’s fear of deportation. — Kim Willis, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Mafia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Mafia
  1. gang
  2. syndicate
  3. conspiracy
  4. mob
  5. clan
  6. network
Noun
  • Izo 2 leads an armed group in that area on behalf of and in coordination with other gang leaders including Izo, considered one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
  • It was agreed that the gang suppression force would strengthen its presence in Port-au-Prince and that Haitian forces would reinforce their deployment in Kenscoff.
    — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of gang
Noun
  • When he's appointed interim sheriff of a tiny Minnesota town, Ulysses Richardson intervenes in a botched bank robbery, discovering a stash of gold and heavy weapons that belong to a Yakuza crime syndicate.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026
  • No, this a league run by an elite, backroom syndicate where real power-brokers hatch blockbuster moves long before any transaction window officially opens.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of syndicate
Noun
  • And in a related case, former union executive Tyler Brown pleaded guilty in May 2024 to one count of racketeering conspiracy.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Stewart went to prison for five months after being found guilty on charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the sale of a stock.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Noun
  • In Iran, Afghans have been attacked by mobs and baselessly accused of collaborating with Israel; some legal residents have had police tear up their documents in front of them.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
  • While clearing mobs of enemies can be fun, the combat really shines during the game’s many boss fights.
    — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of mob
Noun
  • Genichiro, the clan’s new leader and Isshin’s grandson, wants to use the Dragon’s Heritage to win the war and abducts Kuro.
    — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Speaking with actress Leslie Mann during the episode, Kylie Kelce brought up Swift and her growing influence on the Kelce clan.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of clan
Noun
  • Charles Bradshaw, community plans and liaison officer at Naval Base Coronado, said the bridge preserves vital defense access as part of the strategic highway network.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Cape Newenham is part of a network of remote radar sites that monitors aircraft operating in Alaska’s airspace and along its borders.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of network

Browse Nearby Words

mafficks
Mafia
Mafias
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mafia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Mafia. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Mafia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Mafia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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