as in gang
a group involved in secret or criminal activities
the local Mafia largely finances itself through extortion rackets and drug trafficking
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of Mafia
Snuffy is the nickname of Manuel Quintero, alleged by Los Angeles County prosecutors to be a member of the Mexican Mafia, a group of about 140 men who rule over Southern California’s Latino street gangs.
—
Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Cockney con man Michael Caine, recently released from the clink, puts together a truly ludicrous heist to steal $4 million in Mafia gold bullion from the middle of Turin using Mini Coopers.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Seven people were indicted in connection to the ‘largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.’
19 people were charged in an alleged Mexican Mafia conspiracy to kill L.A. rap artist.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for Mafia
Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Cockney con man Michael Caine, recently released from the clink, puts together a truly ludicrous heist to steal $4 million in Mafia gold bullion from the middle of Turin using Mini Coopers.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025
Seven people were indicted in connection to the ‘largest jewelry heist in U.S. history.’
19 people were charged in an alleged Mexican Mafia conspiracy to kill L.A. rap artist.
—Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for Mafia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Mafia
Noun
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The film did retain two innovations from the Story films: its notably younger cast and also having Victor von Doom accompany the gang on their fateful trip.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
25 July 2025
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The report also identifies approved petitions from individuals linked to other gangs, such as over 100 members of the 18th Street gang, at least three from Tren de Aragua (TdA), and several associated with the Sureños and Norteños.—
Billal Rahman
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Noun
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The drama from showrunners J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan starred Josh Holloway as a getaway driver working for an Arizona crime syndicate and Rachel Hilson as an FBI agent.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
9 July 2025
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Set in the Southwest in the 1972, Duster tells the story of the FBI’s first Black woman agent, Nina Hayes, played by Rachel Hilson, who will have to overcome many obstacles to stop a crime syndicate.—
Maelle Beauget-Uhl,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
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In November, Vaillant was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
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Kingston will receive his sentence on Aug. 28, just under five months after he and his 63-year-old mother were found guilty of four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Two years after the Goetz incident, a white mob in the Italian American enclave of Howard Beach in New York chased 23-year-old Michael Griffith and two friends, all Black, and beat Griffith to death for simply being in their neighborhood.—
Robert Chiarito,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Summer brings out the worst of its food scene (overhyped openings, influencer mobs, patios with no shade and even less finesse), as well as the very best: smoky tacos on the Westside, rooftop bars with actual personality, and high-falutin’ hotspots that are still worth the chase.—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The two clans clash, and one Na’vi is taken out with a flaming arrow.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
21 July 2025
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Among the families taking on the challenge is the Hanna/Riggs clan from Texas, comprised of married couple Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs and their 10-year-old twin sons.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
16 July 2025
Noun
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For the first time since Nielsen began tracking TV use by platform four years ago — and probably the first time ever, considering broadcast’s dominant place for much of television history — over-the-air networks accounted for less than 20 percent of viewing in June.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
15 July 2025
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The Value of Safe, Supportive Spaces These networks are also important for building confidence.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mafia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Mafia. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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