Skip to content
Synonyms for

group

6 synonyms and better words for “group,” each with its precise meaning and an example so you pick the one that actually fits, not just the nearest match.

cohort

/ˈkoʊ-hɔrt/Elevated

A united band of people sharing a common trait or purpose.

The cohort of young architects stormed the competition with radical designs.

Best for: Works well in academic, professional, or military contexts for a defined group.

assemblage

/ə-ˈsɛm-blɪdʒ/Elevated

A collection of people or things gathered together, often with artistic or curated connotation.

An unusual assemblage of poets, scientists, and chefs filled the old library.

Best for: Ideal for describing eclectic or deliberately composed gatherings.

coterie

/ˈkoʊ-tə-ri/Literary

A small, exclusive circle of people with shared interests or tastes.

She had cultivated a tight coterie of thinkers who met every Thursday at dusk.

Best for: Best for intimate, somewhat elite or cliquish social circles.

phalanx

/ˈfeɪ-læŋks/Punchy

A compact, unified body of people standing or moving together with strength.

A phalanx of journalists blocked the exit, cameras raised.

Best for: Powerful for dramatic scenes involving crowds with collective momentum.

confraternity

/ˌkɒn-frə-ˈtɜr-nɪ-ti/Rare Gem

A brotherhood or fellowship bound together by a shared cause or devotion.

The confraternity of sailors kept their rituals secret from the port authorities.

Best for: Suits historical, religious, or deeply bonded social groups.

murmuration

/ˌmɜr-mjʊ-ˈreɪ-ʃən/Rare Gem

A flock moving in fluid, shifting unison, often used poetically for any swelling collective.

A murmuration of protesters filled the square, rippling like a single creature.

Best for: Evocative and poetic; best for describing organic, flowing mass movement.

Need synonyms for another word?

Wordsmith finds curated synonyms for any word, free to try.

Try Wordsmith Free

Synonyms for more words