Definition of throngnext

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 new 47-key Orient Express Venezia is an experience, housed within Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in the oldest and northernmost Cannaregio district, drawing high-end travelers away from the throngs. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 The defendant and his legal team declined to speak with a throng of reporters outside the courthouse. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
Khomeini's funeral saw chaotic scenes as millions thronged his mourning ceremony and trip to the cemetery. Nasser Karimi, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026 Khomeini’s funeral saw chaotic scenes as millions thronged his mourning ceremony and trip to the cemetery. Nasser Karimi, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for throng
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throng
Noun
  • The decision to present Nico to the St James’ crowd ahead of the West Bromwich Albion Carabao Cup tie was inspired, perpetuating the positivity brought about by the training-ground announcement and opening-day Liverpool draw.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Hershey is one of several big candy and snack-makers trying to cultivate younger crowds with new flavors and textures.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Each year, hordes of celebrities — including A-list musicians — flock to The Met in New York City to walk the red carpet in avant-garde outfits inspired by the Costume Institute’s spring theme.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026
  • After news of her passing broke on August 25, fans flocked to the estate to pay respects, per WKRN.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The growth of agentic AI and the rise of cyber hacks orchestrated by agents are forcing companies to invest in more tools to manage swarms of new identities.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This phrase is a complicated way of simply acknowledging the fact that Pluto sits within the Kuiper Belt, a vast swarm of bodies that go around the sun in similar orbits beyond Neptune.
    Mike Brown, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Chino Hills State Park is almost never crowded, except during a spring super bloom, when the hillsides erupt in California poppies and hordes of would-be influencers arrive to take photos for Instagram.
    Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Or what about storming the field, the tradition that follows a momentous win, when order dissolves and players brace themselves for a horde of fans pouring out of the stands.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throng.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throng. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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