as in escape
the act or an instance of getting free from danger or confinement
the prisoners were recaptured after only three days on the lam
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to escape
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
let's lam out of this hellhole while there's still time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lam
John Annese, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Paul Brightman lives on the lam while evading Russian operatives.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Andrew Lawrence, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024
One of those classic films that’s as good as its reputation (and maybe even better), Billy Wilder’s high-spirited comedy stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as jazz musicians who have to lam it after witnessing a mob crime.
—Keith Phipps, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for lam
Noun
Alvi Limani, 20, ditched the scene of the deadly New Jersey crash on June 25 and left one of his passengers to die, then went on the lam for 2½ weeks, prosecutors allege.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Paul Brightman lives on the lam while evading Russian operatives.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
No studio would finance the feature, about a whorehouse exhibitionist who lams it after being framed for murder — so director Melvin Van Peebles financed it himself with a boost from Bill Cosby, who gave him a $50,000 loan.
—Andrew Lawrence, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024
One of those classic films that’s as good as its reputation (and maybe even better), Billy Wilder’s high-spirited comedy stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as jazz musicians who have to lam it after witnessing a mob crime.
—Keith Phipps, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for lam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lam
Noun
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Still, youthful rebellion in virtual reality looks great and the concept of online escapes resonates in an increasingly intense real world.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
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Located in Tetbury, Calcot Manor & Spa is a Cotswolds escape designed with the whole family in mind.—
Lindsay Cohn,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Verb
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These seven episodes chronicle Louis’s seduction, his tumultuous affair with Lestat, Claudia’s turning, and Louis and Claudia’s attempt to murder their maker and escape a violent home life by fleeing to Europe.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
7 June 2026
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Footage that circulated on social media appeared to capture festivalgoers fleeing from the shots as chaos erupted.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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The Cougars came out of the gate flying, with Ani Woodard registering a hat trick and Emma Whoriskey and Taylor Watts adding goals in the opening frame.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lam. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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