1
as in snarl
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement
thousands of cars trying to leave the stadium's parking lot at the same time are sure to create a jam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in pickle
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
the heavy rain puts us in a real jam: all of the preparations are for a garden wedding
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in to block
to prevent passage through by filling with something
firefighters found the nightclub's doorways jammed with trapped patrons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fill
to put into (something) as much as can be held or contained
the inn will jam a guest's picnic basket with an array of tempting foods
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of jam
Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
The scones were served alongside clotted cream, strawberry jam and a strawberry on top.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Katie Houlis, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Throughout the weekend, some fans have shared videos showing audience members turning their screenings into full-on dance parties, jamming along to Jackson's classic songs in the theater.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jam
Noun
But Alcantara escaped the jam when Alex Freeland bounced to second with two runners on.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
The scones were served alongside clotted cream, strawberry jam and a strawberry on top.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Prosecutors said Rivera then pointed the gun at Rosen, but the gun jammed.
—Katie Houlis, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Throughout the weekend, some fans have shared videos showing audience members turning their screenings into full-on dance parties, jamming along to Jackson's classic songs in the theater.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jam
Noun
-
With a glare and a snarl and youthful athleticism, the wrong side of history beckons.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
That song’s twangful snarl — wonderfully sung by Clark, a star recording artist in her own right — is a reminder that these insurgents are also preservationists, capable of delivering old-fashioned pleasures to please the purists.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The iconic pickle-on-a-stick is also a hit with guests looking for something quick and easy.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
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The menu bears a familiar DNA from chef Misti Norris (formally of Petra and the Beast), with ferments, pickles, and preserves making appearances throughout.—
Nathanael Gassett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But Cuellar had a kill, Chang found an empty spot on the defense, Epperson hit a winner and Chang stuffed Mission Viejo’s Brady Madland for a 23-18 lead.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
-
Mal drugged Fiona at the Halloween party, then took her up to the honeymoon suite and stuffed her into the dumbwaiter, sending it down to the basement and leaving her there to die.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Gas prices can vary widely, even from block to block.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
Heavy encrustations of golden mussels have blocked pipes in municipal and industrial water intakes, which has necessitated costly biofouling removal.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
As officers chased him through a busy crosswalk filled with pedestrians, Marx turned and fired in the direction of a Secret Service officer, documents say.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
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In a special Senate primary to fill the seat vacated when Vice President JD Vance was inaugurated, Sherrod Brown won the Democratic primary, and Republican John Husted, who was appointed to Vance's seat, ran uncontested for the GOP nomination.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Its prices are pushing up airfares, baggage fees and add-on charges.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Some lawmakers also want legislation that could push back on Selig’s offensive by affirming states’ authority to rein in the platforms.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Preventing congestion key to stable nanoscale catalysis When applied to nanoreactors, the idea of congestion shifts from physical intersections to competition for active catalytic sites.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
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Around Penn Station, a key hub for Long Island, New York City and New Jersey travelers, congestion is expected to worsen.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
For example, the false dilemma logical fallacy has become a very popular way to persuade people to incorrectly believe there are only two options.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
While the work’s English title might indicate a sense of amusement or distraction, the Chinese title is an idiom that refers to being caught in a dilemma, like a boat that has left one shore but has not yet reached the other.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jam. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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