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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of jam
Abigail Adams, People.com, 9 July 2025
Later, a hero known as Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), who can turn his body into any element imaginable, helps out in a jam.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025
Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Sip craft beer while jamming out to musicians like The Black Crowes, Thundercat and Lukas Nelson at this three-day gathering in the scenic San Juans.
—Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for jam
Noun
Additionally, floods can be caused by ice jams and snowmelt, meaning areas prone to these conditions are at risk, as well as anywhere where recent burns have occurred, such as wildfires.
—Abigail Adams, People.com, 9 July 2025
Later, a hero known as Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), who can turn his body into any element imaginable, helps out in a jam.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025
Verb
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler jamming with The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, and Tom Morello might’ve been the craziest supergroup formed of the evening.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Sip craft beer while jamming out to musicians like The Black Crowes, Thundercat and Lukas Nelson at this three-day gathering in the scenic San Juans.
—Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for jam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jam
Noun
-
Liam sounds ferociously on-form, his nasal snarl infused with a malevolent purr.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
5 July 2025
-
When the pandemic hit, the export-heavy industry was wracked with supply chain snarls.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
The vinegar used to quick pickle the onions also adds a vinegary pungency to the salad, and dill and basil work together to add fresh and herbaceous notes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
-
Some foods and drinks high in electrolytes include watermelon, coconut water, leafy green vegetables, bone broth, pickles, and more.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Your next outdoor bash or beachside hang deserves some attention to the cookware and coolers you’re bound up grilling with and using to stuff to the brim with ice and beverages.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
11 July 2025
-
The family moved from Temecula to Point Loma in December and most of the rings are still stuffed in boxes, sitting in the garage.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Courthouse security directed media members to leave in the opposite direction, blocking the way.—
John Diedrich,
jsonline.com,
7 July 2025
-
While a few other silhouettes are in the running, this eye-catching option adds some personality to every outfit and helps block out more of the sun than smaller pairs.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
That very same day, in Westernport, Maryland, floodwaters quickly filled the first floor of an elementary school trapping 150 students and their teachers inside.—
Laura Schifter,
Time,
15 July 2025
-
Most everyone agrees that MLB is not going to put a third team in Florida; not when the Marlins draw sparse crowds in a market saturated with pro teams, and not when the Rays — even during playoff runs — couldn’t consistently fill Tropicana Field.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Why some tattoo artists push back against AI tattoo machines Of course, not everyone is excited about this change.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
-
The change, which was approved by commissioners and signed into law by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, pushes the upcoming November 2025 general election to November 2026.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
This case involving the MyPillow lawyers is just a microcosm of the growing dilemma of how courts and lawyers can strike the balance between welcoming life-changing technology and using it responsibly in court.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
10 July 2025
-
The dilemma about his son provides the bare minimum of drama to chew on, allowing Dexter’s focus to shift toward playful topics like his new cold-blooded buddies and the peculiar nature of his new playground, New York City.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Marlene alleged her son grabbed and started to squeeze her throat.—
Christine Pelisek,
People.com,
11 July 2025
-
Kalvin Phillips squeezes a pass through the gap and into Omari Hutchinson, taking three Forest players out of the game.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jam. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share