congest

verb

kən-ˈjest How to pronounce congest (audio)
Definition of congestnext
as in to obstruct
to prevent passage through by filling with something the usual weekend traffic congested the region's highways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 congest At the time of the collision, both northbound lanes were congested because of a lane closure north of the crash scene. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 30 June 2026 The tissue layers surrounding the brain (meninges) were congested in the area of the stingray spine. — Mark Price june 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026 Your pores might be congested with gunk or product residue, so double-cleansing can make all the difference. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 23 June 2026 The National League wild-card race is congested. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for congest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congest
  1. obstruct
  2. block
Verb
  • Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
    — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Watson was imprisoned in Greenland for five months in 2024 after being arrested on a Japanese warrant over charges of obstructing a whaling ship in 2010.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • Instead, some Denver residents say scooters continue to block sidewalks, entrances and walkways.
    — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Besselian Elements team has added terrain shadows at totality time, but also a way of recognizing that the clouds blocking an eclipse may not actually be above the observer.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of block

Browse Nearby Words

congés
congest
congested
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congest. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on congest

Nglish: Translation of congest for Spanish Speakers

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