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Definitions

mafioso

[mah-fee-oh-soh] / ˌmɑ fiˈoʊ soʊ /


NOUN
Mafia
Synonyms
STRONG
WEAK
cosa nostra




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Prosecutors said the mob chief built a wide array of financial interests that went far beyond traditional mafioso concerns, helping him set up a loyal network of white collar professionals.

From Reuters Jan. 25, 2023

Paul Sorvino could play more than a mobster, even though mafioso roles became standards in his prolific career.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 25, 2022

In the film, Tony’s mafioso future isn’t yet a foregone conclusion.

From Seattle Times Oct. 1, 2021

The guy smiled but said nothing, like a mafioso who suspects you’re wearing a wire.

From Washington Post Jul. 1, 2021

Raymond looked more like a wizened Italian cobbler than an all-powerful mafioso.

From Salon Jul. 21, 2019

There’s a catch, a gimmick even, as De Niro stars opposite himself, playing both Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, two notorious real-life Italian American mafiosi who have inspired many movies and documentaries.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 21, 2025

Far from the stately La Scala opera house, the Opera prison on Milan’s southern edge has over 1,400 inmates, including 101 mafiosi held under a strict regime of near-total isolation.

From Seattle Times Feb. 13, 2024

A player’s true identity is only revealed upon their death, and the game continues until the civilians succeed in rooting out all of the mafiosi, or the mafia outnumber the remaining civilians.

From The Guardian Jan. 28, 2016

However deeply immersed in crime Luigi's father may have been, he always wanted a different life for his son - continually urging him to build a future away from the world of the mafiosi.

From BBC May 28, 2014

When I heard this, his extremely courteous manner reminded me of the Robin Hood side of the Cristiani, and of the oriental hospitality of the mafiosi towards strangers. 

From Castellinaria and Other Sicilian Diversions by Jones, Henry Festing

“Saying that I defended mafiosos is dark legend. False. I defended people with problems,” he told the podcaster Luis Fernando Villa.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 2, 2026

Scorsese grew up in New York’s Little Italy as a Catholic altar boy and aspiring priest who was also fascinated by the mafiosos that loomed large in his community.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 28, 2025

“The Many Saints of Newark,” though, rewinds “The Sopranos” to late ’60s, early ’70s Newark and a different generation of New Jersey mafiosos.

From Seattle Times Sep. 29, 2021

“If we were connected to a cartel, we would be the only mafiosos in history to last more than three presidential administrations.”

From New York Times Mar. 6, 2010

“When Frank Sinatra was alive he’d be dining with a bunch of mafiosos every night, but you guys never brought him in for questioning.”

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez




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