jam 1 of 2

noun

Definition of jamnext
1
as in snarl
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement thousands of cars trying to leave the stadium's parking lot at the same time are sure to create a jam

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2
as in pickle
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape the heavy rain puts us in a real jam: all of the preparations are for a garden wedding

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jam

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to stuff
to fit (people or things) into a tight space jammed his clothes into the already bulging hamper

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2
as in to block
to prevent passage through by filling with something firefighters found the nightclub's doorways jammed with trapped patrons

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fill
to put into (something) as much as can be held or contained the inn will jam a guest's picnic basket with an array of tempting foods

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to push
to force one's way several more people jammed into the bus even though there was hardly room to stand

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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 jam
Noun
In fact, the Book of Exodus is his jam here, focusing on Moses (Christian Bale), his close connection to Egyptian pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton) and Moses' effort to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to freedom. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Segovia, a percussionist, has always filled his home with music – playing impromptu concerts for the neighborhood out of open garage doors or inviting friends and fellow musicians over to jam. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
Along with jamming out with Limbani, Lee also collaborated on a painting with the chimp, which sold at auction for $5,000, funds that will go to support Save the Chimps’ animals. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 The unit also dabbled in artificial intelligence, which Hegseth has been pushing, and designing drones resistant to jamming. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jam
  1. snarl
  2. pickle
  3. stuff
  4. block
  5. fill
  6. push
  7. congestion
  8. dilemma
Noun
  • Arguably the standout set of the entire festival, her set was grimy and dark, featuring songs off her new album, Music, Fashion, Film, for the first time with a permanent snarl.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The wildly popular Instagram page was offline for a hot minute, leaving the general pop pining for videos on the myriad zany happenings in our city, from traffic snarls and celebrity shenanigans to animal encounters and fights outside the club.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of snarl
Noun
  • The following month, Marcus and Bakhitar made another strategic decision based on their network's advice, submitting applications to sell pickles at Erewhon and Whole Foods despite barely having any history as a business.
    — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The smashburger was the same as always, juicy and full of cheese, and the dill and pickle in the Caesar salad brought a bright and refreshing twist to the classic.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of pickle
Verb
  • The O’Connell clan’s reach extended far beyond a little bribery and ballot stuffing.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Reviews do note that, due to the cushion stuffing being so full, a quick fluffing may be required after sitting for long periods of time, just to get the fill back to normal.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of stuff
Verb
  • The case argues South Africa’s 1961 Indemnity Act unlawfully blocked hundreds of claims over the massacre, and asks courts to reopen the door to justice for victims’ descendants.
    — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Many urban properties like The Benjamin have invested in multi-pane windows, and blackout curtains, which can block both light and sound.
    — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of block
Verb
  • Similar to the Army, SAE was filled with young men from all walks of life; every economic background, faith, and ethnicity were represented.
    — Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Their vehicles are packed with animal triage kits filled with supplies to treat injuries and wounds.
    — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Adebo could still push Banks, while Phillips has secured the slot job.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • That more than doubled its stock, pushing its market cap above $9 billion, adding to the bottom line of Thrive and Kushner, who is vice chairman and has personal holdings.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of push
Noun
  • 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
Definition of congestion
Noun
  • Getty Images The plight of the A’s in Oakland and the Rays in Tampa Bay has been a Major League Baseball dilemma for decades, spanning the careers of the last two commissioners, Rob Manfred and Bud Selig.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Gaines and White talked at length at halftime of Friday’s game about their convictions on the trans in women’s sports dilemma.
    — Patricia Babcock McGraw OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of dilemma

Browse Nearby Words

jalopy
jam
jambalaya
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Cite this Entry

“Jam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jam. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jam

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jam

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