congestion

noun

as in traffic

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of congestion New restaurants and retail shops in the development, besides more residents, would also increase congestion on an already major north-south thoroughfare, according to those opposed to the project. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026 Schumann adds that guests absorbed in their phones while walking around the ship are often less aware of their surroundings, creating unnecessary congestion and even safety concerns. — Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 Riccetti also argued that congestion caused by trains was a major factor in Hemphill traffic, and said that driver speeds along Hemphill are just too fast. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 The construction zone sits near residence halls, academic buildings and major pedestrian routes, creating congestion for those walking to class and for drivers traveling through the area. — Usa Today, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 The congestion at the Indian port, combined with backlogs at Chinese ports in recent weeks, is sending rates sky high. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Drivers could experience traffic congestion and delays this week in Caldwell following a water main leak that requires emergency repairs. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026 When residential development started just south of this commercial corridor, concerns about traffic congestion became a reality. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Plus, the layout was designed to allow up to 80 trailers loading or unloading at a time within the barns, decreasing congestion and improving efficiency. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congestion
  1. traffic
  2. gridlock
Noun
  • The other woman found a Mint Hill police officer directing traffic in the 10300 block of Idlewild Road and reported the incident.
    — Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The data centre question Testing will take place during evenings and nights in the winters of 2026-27 and 2027-28, when the volume of air traffic is lower.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of traffic
Noun
  • The rule comes alongside months of gridlock for the SAVE America Act, the GOP's signature piece of election reform that would require photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote.
    — Nathan Lee, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Seroka cited that there have not been any ships backed up at the port’s harbor in the five years since the San Pedro Bay gateways experienced severe congestion throughout the global trade gridlock experienced in 2021.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of gridlock

Browse Nearby Words

congesting
congestion
congestions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congestion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congestion. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All