gum 1 of 2

noun

Definition of gumnext
as in goo

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gum

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to clump

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in to tar

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3
as in to chew

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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 gum
Noun
Ripa is back on screen after taking time off to recover from gum graft surgery. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 The 55-year-old weathered an extended absence after undergoing painful gum surgery in July. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
The fact that some liquid in the tank is reacting to become a solid is probably what happened to gum up the valve leading into the tank. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026 At the same time, Sahara dust can gum up the atmosphere and inhibit storms from forming. — Brian Kahn, Wired News, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gum
  1. goo
  2. clump
  3. tar
  4. chew
  5. dope
  6. curd
  7. oil
  8. lick
Noun
  • The package recommends microwaving, so the chicken melts into the creamy goo.
    — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The researchers linked molecules from a viscous oil and a gas to produce a new variation of this polymer, resulting in a transparent, moldable goo with a consistency similar to Blu Tack.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of goo
Verb
  • This explains why the isotopes are so well mixed rather than clumped, and also tells us that Bennu's parent probably formed not long after Jupiter did.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Keep the package sealed after each use to prevent sheets from clumping or breaking down early.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of clump
Verb
  • The 1974 tournament in West Germany was tarred by the geopolitical fallout of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • Public perceptions The two most damaging nuclear disasters in history – Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 – each tarred the technology in the eyes of the public, leading politicians to decommission projects.
    — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 4 May 2026
Definition of tar
Verb
  • Bella chews him out for punching Angus in the face right before Angus’s big presentation, which Johnny knew about because they were supposed to throw a return supper for him, a dinner Johnny was supposed to cook.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Her hair, barely brown, hung straight and appeared to be chewed at the ends.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of chew
Noun
  • Shaw was found dead in the bedroom of a Manhattan apartment one day after purchasing a purple bag of dope supplied by one of Livigni’s dealers, officials said.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Messages were sent to help him … but the big dope didn’t notice.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of dope
Verb
  • Be sure to allow a few hours of chilling time to let the flavors meld and the biscuits, cream, and curd to set into a soft, scoopable consistency.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of curd
Verb
  • To do so, place the slices in a nonstick or lightly oiled skillet over low to medium-low heat and cover the pan.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Bulloch notes skipping oiling the grates is another common mistake.
    — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of oil
Verb
  • The Sox move on to Cleveland while the Cubs come home to lick their wounds.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Bombers beat the Red Sox 9-2 in Game 2 after winning the series opening game 9-0, sending New England’s hardball heroes home to lick their wounds until next spring.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of lick

Browse Nearby Words

gulps
gum
gumbo
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Cite this Entry

“Gum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gum. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gum

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