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

The shipping logjam at the canal continues to pile up, with the new restraints compounding prior traffic increases stemming from the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Historians say there was enough wood in that logjam to build 20,000 three-bedroom homes. — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Every link in the aviation chain — airlines, planemakers, seat suppliers and regulators — is eager to clear the logjam. — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Arsenal, though, have gone in a different direction, signing expensive options in those positions who have created a logjam ahead of their Hale End academy boys. — Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for logjam

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