cram 1 of 2

noun

Definition of cramnext
as in swarm
a great number of persons or things massed together battling the rush-hour cram in the subway

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cram

2 of 2

verb

ˈkram How to pronounce cram (audio)
1
as in to squeeze
to fit (people or things) into a tight space tried to cram one more book into the backpack

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2
as in to fill
to put into (something) as much as can be held or contained crammed his mouth with candy

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3
as in to stuff
to fill with food to capacity one of those eating contests in which competitors attempt to cram themselves with as many hot dogs as they can in three minutes

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4
as in to devour
to swallow or eat greedily the thoughtless guest crammed a dinner that had taken hours to prepare

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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 cram
Noun
DeSantis’ map crams Democrats into just four of 28 districts – a high-stakes gamble that requires lightning to strike twice. — Daniel A. Smith, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026 Final grades are posted, and the product that emerged from last week’s late-night cram session in Topeka barely earned the Kansas Legislature a passing mark in 2026. — Matthew Kelly updated April 15, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
The five-star resort—which has an adults-only policy, welcoming guests aged 14 years and above—is an oasis, especially in peak season when the lakeside is crammed with crowds. — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 An early 2022 op-ed in the University of Calgary’s student newspaper described the idea as the antithesis of hustle culture, one that finds satisfaction in mundane tasks rather than cramming productivity into every waking moment. — Allison Palmer july 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cram
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cram
  1. swarm
  2. squeeze
  3. fill
  4. stuff
  5. devour
  6. throng
  7. load
  8. pack
Noun
  • The swarms of flies that roamed the planet like a devouring fog enclosed the top of the tower, building new, shivering walls, buzzing in a frenzy of life and hunger.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 July 2026
  • The bright light attracts massive swarms of flying insects, chased by birds, which unwittingly get instantly vaporized mid-air by the invisible, high-temperature beams.
    — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of swarm
Verb
  • Yet despite their clear burnout, most can’t afford to simply quit; not with the cost of living squeezing every paycheck, AI already closing in on entry-level roles, and one of the toughest job markets in years waiting on the other side.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • As a result, in 2015-16, regulators delayed the crab season for months, ultimately squeezing the typical seven months down to roughly two.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • Miami now will turn its attention to filling three open roster spots, with former Kings forward Demar DeRozan among the logical options.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Georgia's vast Okefenokee Swamp is filled with alligators like this one in the swamp's Chesser Prairie area.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Expect pita foldies stuffed with wagyu, ahi tuna or falafel, breakfast pitas, smash burgers, Jamaican beef patties, vegan soft serve and smoothies like the Island Love (coconut milk, ginger) and the Queen City (matcha, kale, pineapple).
    — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
  • Now don't panic, but this recipe does require one additional step prior to stuffing tortillas with a creamy, dreamy mixture of meat and cheese.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 July 2026
Definition of stuff
Verb
  • Then there are rabbitfish that can devour algae from the sea bottom, destroying the habitat for many indigenous species.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • There’s a gluttonous amount of food content out there waiting to be devoured, but none of it is like Emeril Live.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Definition of devour
Noun
  • These friends describe a large party on Horn Island, which is a favorite gathering spot in the summer, with throngs of people spread out in the sun and surf and around numerous boats, some of them drinking in water known to be deep and dangerous.
    — Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • Just Friday, a member of the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight-demonstration team, buzzed Pensacola Beach at extremely low altitude and a high angle of bank, close to throngs of spectators.
    — Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Definition of throng
Verb
  • After striking out with the bases loaded in the first inning, Collins delivered in one of the biggest moments.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Jarren Duran’s two-run single with the bases loaded was followed by back-to-back bunt singles from Carlos Narváez and Tsung-Che Cheng, plating two more runs.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of load
Verb
  • In 2022, the skills competitions were played in an empty convention center; in 2026, the All-Star Game set an attendance record with 19,783 fans, packing an NBA arena instead of the Chicago Sky’s usual home of Wintrust Arena.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • The creamy formula is packed with rose extracts and rose oil to condition, plus hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and ceramides to reinforce the lip barrier, leaving your lips softer and smoother with every swipe.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026
Definition of pack

Browse Nearby Words

crakes
cram
crammed
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Cite this Entry

“Cram.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cram. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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