The phrase "crowded around" can be expressed using various synonyms that can give a similar meaning to the context. Some of these synonyms include, but are not limited to, thronged, clustered, amassed, swarmed, gathered, huddled, congested, crammed, teemed, and packed. Using any of these words will help convey the idea of a large group of people or things gathering together in a tight or confined space. For instance, "thronged around" describes a group closely packed together, while "amassed around" suggests a group gathered in great numbers. These synonyms for "crowded around" provide a more vivid and descriptive way to express the same thought.