crush 1 of 2

1
as in to mash
to cause to become a pulpy mass dark-colored grapes that will be crushed to make red wine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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5
as in to squeeze
to apply external pressure on so as to force out the juice or contents of after crushing the grapes, let the skins soak in the juice in order to extract some color

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
as in to cram
to fit (people or things) into a tight space the desperate refugees were crushed into the back of the truck

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

crush

2 of 2

noun

1
as in passion
a strong but often short-lived liking for another person fondly remembers the crush that she had on a boy one summer long ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun crush differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crush are crowd, horde, mob, and throng. While all these words mean "an assembled multitude," crush emphasizes the compactness of the group, the difficulty of individual movement, and the attendant discomfort.

a crush of fans

When might crowd be a better fit than crush?

While the synonyms crowd and crush are close in meaning, crowd implies a close gathering and pressing together.

a crowd gathered

When is mob a more appropriate choice than crush?

The words mob and crush can be used in similar contexts, but mob implies a disorderly crowd with the potential for violence.

an angry mob

How do throng and horde relate to one another, in the sense of crush?

Both throng and horde suggest movement and pushing.

a throng of reporters
a horde of shoppers

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 crush
Verb
The Chinese army ultimately crushed the rebellion, killing tens of thousands of Tibetans, according to exile groups, though the exact number remains disputed. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025 Robinson was crushed by Democrat Josh Stein, as were other Republicans running for statewide office, even though Trump won the state. Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025
Noun
Iranian meddling in the region has provided Arab dictators such as Syria’s Bashar al-Assad with both the moral and material means to suppress dissent, crush reform, and extend their autocratic rule. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025 Lee has been cast as Ashley, the charming girl next door that Montgomery (Sean Giambrone) has a crush on who is also in a terrifying Death Metal Folk band. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for crush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crush
Verb
  • The train is transported to Woodinville for mashing, fermentation, and distillation.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Sweet enough to make a satisfying snack cake, but not too sweet to serve for breakfast, this mash up of blueberry bread and zucchini bread hits just right between indulgent and good for you.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • One company helping Americans relocate to the Netherlands, GTFO Tours, reported a 200 percent increase in inquiries from U.S. nationals in the days following Trump's decision to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to quell anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles last month.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • The community town hall did little to quell resident's concerns.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • This precise semiautomatic machine can grind your beans, push out balanced shots, and froth your milk.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • The fact that everybody was there and everyone was grinding, there was that little extra motivation to really get this thing going.
    Vic Tafur, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Still, on a partly sunny Saturday under a flood watch, dozens of volunteers overwhelmed a site near the Round Mountain Baptist Church outside of Leander, forcing traffic to a standstill as emergency personnel actively searched for missing people.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 13 July 2025
  • Inside, a black and grey cat thrashes around, overwhelmed.
    Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Kalvin Phillips squeezes a pass through the gap and into Omari Hutchinson, taking three Forest players out of the game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Marlene alleged her son grabbed and started to squeeze her throat.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The sphere-packing problem — which asks how to cram balls into a (high-dimensional) box as efficiently as possible — is no exception.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 7 July 2025
  • Now, House leadership wants to cram this broken bill down our throats by rushing it to the floor while in the middle of discussions, completely disregarding their promises.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • These Good Standard straight-leg jeans fit just loose enough for plenty of comfort without feeling too baggy and feature a contoured design to hug your waist with a relaxed fit on the lower half.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Michael Owen Baker/AP Photo Arturo Rangel hugs Judith Ramos whose father works at the greenhouse in the background as federal immigration agents block access during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025.
    Amanda Castro Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The episode explores Freeman's passion for his role and the unique experience of being a sports organist.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • The family’s true farm-to-table lifestyle—growing fresh fruits and vegetables, raising chickens, hogs, and cattle—instilled in Mike a lasting passion for fresh ingredients and an appreciation for how meals can tell a story, bring people together, and celebrate heritage.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crush. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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