rabble
/ˈræbəl/
NOUN
1. A disorderly and unruly crowd
A large, noisy, disorganized group of people, often behaving aggressively or appearing likely to cause trouble.
1.1. Noisy or disorderly crowds
Refers to a noisy, uncontrolled, or unruly gathering of people, especially one that is difficult to manage or restrain.
Synonyms
- mob
- rout
- riffraff
- rabble
Examples
- The guards struggled to control the rabble outside the stadium.
- A noisy rabble gathered in the town square after the announcement.
- The defeated soldiers returned home as a demoralized rabble.
Related Words
- crowd
- throng
- horde
- multitude
- swarm
NOUN
2. Ordinary people regarded with contempt
Ordinary people collectively, especially those considered by a supposedly superior social group to be unimportant, uncultured, or of low social standing.
2.1. Derogatory references to common people
Used dismissively or contemptuously to describe ordinary people or the lower social classes, particularly by someone who considers themselves socially superior.
Synonyms
- commoners
- riffraff
- hoi polloi
- proletariat
- the masses
- lower classes
- populace
Antonyms
Examples
- The aristocrat dismissed the townspeople as rabble.
- The wealthy landowners believed that the rabble should have no influence over public affairs.
- The speaker claimed to represent the interests of ordinary people rather than the privileged elite.
Related Words
- common people
- rank and file
- working class
- plebeians
- underclass