logjam

noun

log·​jam ˈlȯg-ˌjam 

ˈläg-

1

: a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse

2

a

: deadlock, impasse

trying to break the logjam in negotiations

b

: blockage

c

: jam, crowd

logjam transitive verb

Synonyms of logjam

• jam
• congestion
• bottleneck

Examples of logjam in a Sentence

He was called in to try to break the logjam in the negotiations.

the presence of an ambulance on the side of the highway created a logjam of rubberneckers who just had to have a look

Recent Examples on the Web

There is no telling how long the restrictions might last or how much worse delays will get as Congress remains at a logjam. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

Despite the new contract, there is still a chance that the Red Sox could deal the 29-year-old in a trade this winter to clear up their logjam in the outfield. —Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

Americans blame both parties for the logjam that is jeopardizing some federal programs and frozen pay for hundreds of thousands of government workers. —Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025

To alleviate the logjam, the Sharks could also trade a defenseman if everyone is healthy. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for logjam

• abram
• ashram
• begam
• buckram
• doorjamb
• exam
• goddam
• grandam
• priam
• program
• programme
• wolfram