as in jam
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement
a bottleneck inevitably forms at the start of a construction zone when the highway narrows from three to two lanes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in linear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to dam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bottleneck
Jerome Drevon, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2025
According to Indian government officials, the decision came as the world’s most populous nation is facing its own supply chain bottlenecks for exports.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 11 Apr. 2025
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 May 2013
To compare pre- and post-bottleneck genetic diversity, the researchers sequenced DNA from 1,000-year-old penguin bones on the island.
—Sarah Zhang, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2012
Brynn Cooksey, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
And currently this is bottlenecked on the human population.
—Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bottleneck
Noun
This effort is already reaching its limits, with a bottleneck at the highest levels, as only a few officials make all the decisions, and divisiveness on the ground, as rival factions resist being absorbed by the new regime.
—Jerome Drevon, Foreign Affairs, 11 Apr. 2025
According to Indian government officials, the decision came as the world’s most populous nation is facing its own supply chain bottlenecks for exports.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The impact of the pre-bottleneck period is attenuated, because much of the population was simply not genetically sampled.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 May 2013
To compare pre- and post-bottleneck genetic diversity, the researchers sequenced DNA from 1,000-year-old penguin bones on the island.
—Sarah Zhang, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2012
Verb
Many trade allies and contractors lack the labor needed to meet project demand, causing workforce bottlenecks that impact both urban and rural economies.
—Brynn Cooksey, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
And currently this is bottlenecked on the human population.
—Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bottleneck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bottleneck
Noun
-
The new Ramona Grange Growers Exchange at 215 Seventh St. attracted eight vendors who sold produce, sourdough bread, homemade jams, honey and other assorted items.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Finish and Store Transfer jam to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator up to 1 month.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Glorious Heyday Of A-To-B Thinking For generations, linear thinking reigned supreme.—
Lee Salisbury,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
The linear demand for MLS just isn’t there in terms of the financials.—
Richard Deitsch,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Trump tried to install the laughably unfit Matt Gaetz as U.S. attorney general, one step ahead of a damming House Ethics Committee report.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2025
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The underground river was temporarily dammed to allow for the archaeological work, officials said.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Don’t worry, though—the formula is noncomedogenic, so these silicones won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
26 Apr. 2025
-
In our lifetimes, cities were clogged with smog, which contained plenty of lead belched from then-leaded gasoline.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Leaders worldwide are promoting minimal AI regulation to drive innovation and avoid hindering growth.—
Art Gilliland,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Being smart with money now, as well as brand building, is crucial to making sure your on-the-field duties are not hindered.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In his side pack, officers found 50 grams of compressed fentanyl, $1,126 in cash, and a revolver.—
Jason Motlagh,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2025
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In sectors such as healthcare, compressed timelines heighten the pressure to innovate without compromising safety, security or privacy.—
Ed Gaudet,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Scouts raved about his pass-catching ability and pass blocking.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Mangione's attorneys have sought to block prosecutors from seeking the death penalty.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
-
In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bottleneck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bottleneck. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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