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 Physical withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches and spasms, gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, sweating and fever. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Glasnow, on the verge of a rehab assignment, has been sidelined for nearly three months with back spasms, an injury the Dodgers initially hoped wouldn’t even need an IL stint. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 While three of those four are not pitching (Ohtani has a left knee issue, Snell is coming off elbow surgery and Glasnow missed months with back spasms), all three are expected to return before October. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Then June happened, and the Noles were able to check off the four-star box, but many people felt like the flurry of commitments was similar to a last spasm from a dead body. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 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
  • The Cubs' Kevin Gausman gave up three runs on seven hits before exiting the game in the fifth with a left (non-throwing) hand cramp.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Bananas contain potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps that keep you up at night.
    — Carley Millhone, HEALTH, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of cramp
Noun
  • In little more than a year, Europe’s broadcasting sector has seen a burst of dealmaking that would have looked improbable a decade ago.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The trick is to hold the can 8 to 10 inches away, and spray in short bursts.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • Deadly fires, often linked to electrical faults or gas cylinder explosions, are common in India where investigators have frequently pointed to safety lapses and inadequate enforcement of fire regulations as contributing to recurring loss of life.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Hugo Weaving’s Frank Harkness, the nefarious birth father of agent River Cartwright (Jack Lowdon), also makes an appearance, and the trailer previews plenty of explosions, shootouts and even hand-to-hand combat.
    — Lisa de los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • The outbursts helped relieve some pressure, but Nakashima tightened up as the prospect of making his first Masters 1000 final neared.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • White left immediately after her 2 1/2-minute outburst ended without taking questions.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • The department's decision was met with an eruption of applause.
    — Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Scientists would also expect an impending volcanic eruption to produce warning signs.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of eruption
Noun
  • Lime juice, fish sauce, alliums, and a flash of heat from bird’s-eye chile are slightly mellowed with a big dollop of mayo.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
  • One example of that efficiency in action is the software module flash station, a first for a Ford assembly plant, which ensures vehicles have the latest software prior to module installation.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of flash
Noun
  • In addition to blocking the view of those behind them, the canopy also presents a hazard of blowing away if there are wind gusts.
    — John Natale, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm Sunday after skirting Hawaii without making landfall, but it wasn’t done punishing the Big Island with hurricane-force gusts.
    — Alexa St. John, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of spasm for Spanish Speakers

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