Synonyms for

Mecca

Verb / ˈmekʌ / Another word for mecca — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Mecca is a city in Saudi Arabia that is considered the holiest city in Islam. Muslims are required to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Synonyms & similar words

mecca Kaaba Haram Baitullah Makkah Qibla Qiblatayn Tawaf Zamzam

Synonyms by register

Formal

center hub epicenter focal point

Informal

hangout hotspot go-to place stomping ground

Literary

sanctuary haven shrine

Antonyms

outpost unimportant place obscurity backwater insignificance

Common collocations

  • a mecca for
  • the mecca of
  • virtual mecca
  • cultural mecca
  • religious mecca
  • a mecca for shoppers
  • a mecca for artists

Word family

noun mecca

Usage note

While originally referring to the holy city of Islam, 'mecca' is now commonly used metaphorically to describe any place that attracts many people with a particular interest. It is generally used in informal and semi-formal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. Many Muslims dream of visiting Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
  2. The city of Mecca is home to the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam.
  3. During the Hajj, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca to perform religious rituals.
  4. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
  5. The Masjid al-Haram in Mecca is the largest mosque in the world.

Quotes

  • "Mecca is to Muslims what Jerusalem is to Jews and Christians - the spiritual capital of their faith." - King Abdullah II of Jordan
  • "Mecca is more than a city. It is a question." - Raja Shehadeh
  • "Mecca is like a magnet. Once you have been there, you want to go back." - Keith Ellison

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