spasm

noun

ˈspa-zəm How to pronounce spasm (audio)
Definition of spasmnext
1
as in cramp
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle he suffers terribly from back spasms

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in burst
a sudden intense expression of strong feeling a spasm of love that he had never experienced before

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 spasm Tua Tagovailoa was slated to start the season and then started having oblique spasms days before the opener and also missed those two games. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026 In 2022, she was diagnosed with the rare and progressive autoimmune and neurological disorder — which can cause muscle rigidity, mobility issues, painful spasms and shortness of breath. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026 Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros was a late scratch with back spasms. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026 In 2022, Dion was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare, debilitating progressive neurological disorder that causes muscle rigidity and spasms so violent Dion broke ribs. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasm
  1. cramp
  2. burst
  3. explosion
  4. outburst
  5. eruption
  6. flash
  7. gust
Noun
  • Richland lost a 45-42 heartbreaker to Highland Park at Birdville FA/AC after UCLA commit Jayshon Gibson — who piled up 273 rushing yards and five total touchdowns — left the game with cramps late in the fourth quarter.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
  • People infected with salmonella can experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and stomach cramps, the CDC said.
    — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of cramp
Noun
  • Most importantly, there was a burst of chocolate flavor in every bite.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But this record-setting FRB still significantly pushes back the baseline for when these bursts can occur in cosmic history.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • More recently, the Kremlin has expressed hope that those who orchestrated the explosions will be held accountable.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The trailer also featured glimpses of steamy makeouts, ATV chases down the beach, fiery explosions, and good ol’ bar fights.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • One such outburst took place in 1933, when observers in Europe watched an astonishing 500 shooting stars streak across the sky each minute.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Michael Douglas was subject to violent and angry outbursts as well.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • If the incoming eruptions interact favorably with Earth's magnetic field, auroras could potentially reach much farther south than currently anticipated.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The scientists ruled out a 2016 volcanic eruption as the cause, given the downward trend had started several years before and has maintained a steady pace across the years.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of eruption
Noun
  • Though Holmes remembers nothing, flashes of his razor-sharp skills of deduction begin to show.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Shortly after the event, a short video was posted to the company’s social media channels that offered quick flashes of a mysterious vehicle bearing the brand’s famous crest.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of flash
Noun
  • About 22 million people are under wind alerts from Louisiana to Pennsylvania, with gusts up to 60 mph likely.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The region is still at risk of flash floods as the storm's remnants were expected to continue dumping rain and bringing wind gusts through the weekend, the weather service said, adding that high surf would continue battering coastal communities.
    — Adrian Florido, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of gust

Browse Nearby Words

spas
spasm
spasmodic
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Cite this Entry

“Spasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasm. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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