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
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Recent Examples of spasm
Lee suffered a back spasm, which flared up on Thursday.
—
Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2025
President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December, but Syria is still wracked by spasms of violence, as well as millions of citizens who've lost their homes, their livelihoods and most everything else.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
But who could obtain such a note within hours of waking up with the flu or a back spasm?
—E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article Ethan Salas remains sidelined with back spasms.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spasm
Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2025
President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December, but Syria is still wracked by spasms of violence, as well as millions of citizens who've lost their homes, their livelihoods and most everything else.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
But who could obtain such a note within hours of waking up with the flu or a back spasm?
—E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article Ethan Salas remains sidelined with back spasms.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasm
Noun
-
Dylan Cease, who departed his last start in the seventh inning with a cramp in his right (throwing) forearm, threw his between-start bullpen yesterday morning.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 May 2025
-
The Victorian government says symptoms — including diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps — typically occur six to 24 hours after consumption, and can be fatal within 48 hours.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
2 May 2025
Noun
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The 23-year-old has the raw materials to become a decent striker, including a decent burst of acceleration, but needs to play more to develop, which might not happen at Barca.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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The pair hoped to make progress against urea-cycle disorders – inherited metabolic problems, like KJ’s that leave young children vulnerable to bursts of damaging ammonia.—
Karen Weintraub,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Noun
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In addition to the fatalities, over 260 people were injured in the explosions, and at least 17 people lost limbs.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
10 May 2025
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Residents living near Srinagar city’s airport, which is also an air base, said they were rattled by the explosions and booming sound of jets.—
Riazat Butt,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
For more than a year now, the sun has been in the opposite phase—the solar maximum—with a messy magnetic field, plenty of sunspots and regular outbursts.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
9 May 2025
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The Vikings’ nine-run outburst in the second inning was matched by the Caravan’s six-run fifth.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
Noun
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The eruption can also form new thermal vents and offer a place for these organisms to repopulate.—
Monica Cull,
Discover Magazine,
16 May 2025
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Flames coach Kelly Nangle did not seem surprised by O’Brien’s eruption.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
10 May 2025
Noun
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Though flash flooding risks were minimal, forecasters warned of potential issues in poor drainage areas because of the consistent showers.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2025
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These areas could be faced with flash flooding and frequent lightning due to stronger, slow-moving thunderstorms with torrential rain.—
Daniel Peck,
ABC News,
4 May 2025
Noun
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Wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are anticipated.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 May 2025
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Winds are expected to be north winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasm. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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