1
as in cramp
a painful sudden tightening of a muscle
he suffers terribly from back spasms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
The most common side effects of TEPEZZA include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, ear discomfort, weight loss, nail problems, and changes in menstruation.
—
Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
He was sidelined since April 22 because of back spasms.
—CBS News, 2 May 2026
This includes patients who experience nausea and pain while undergoing cancer treatments, multiple sclerosis patients with severe muscle spasm and stiffness, and chronic pain patients who strive to find relief without using opioids.
—Carey S. Cadieux, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2026
Neck spasms kept her out for all but the first four games of 2023-24, and she wasn’t cleared to return to the court until late February 2025.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spasm
Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
He was sidelined since April 22 because of back spasms.
—CBS News, 2 May 2026
This includes patients who experience nausea and pain while undergoing cancer treatments, multiple sclerosis patients with severe muscle spasm and stiffness, and chronic pain patients who strive to find relief without using opioids.
—Carey S. Cadieux, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2026
Neck spasms kept her out for all but the first four games of 2023-24, and she wasn’t cleared to return to the court until late February 2025.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasm
Noun
-
Arne Slot says Rio Ngumoha had to be substituted due to cramp during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
-
In the prodromal phase, infected people have vague flu-like symptoms, often fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, abdominal cramps, and gastrointestinal disturbances.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Known as the theme park capital of the world, Central Florida bursts with family-friendly fun.—
Lisa A. Beach,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
-
While most passengers are considerate, late-night returns and early-morning departures can bring bursts of noise outside your door.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
In 1985, an explosion in the basement of a Ross department store—caused by an unventilated buildup of methane gas underneath the store—razed several city blocks and injured twenty-three people.—
Oren Peleg,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
In 1992, a buildup of methane gas and coal dust triggered a massive explosion in the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia, Canada, killing 26 coal miners.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Flagg and Knueppel traded places as betting favorites during the season, but Flagg’s 96-point outburst over two games on the second-to-last weekend might have tipped the scales.—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The Bears took control with a 5-0 outburst in the third quarter for a 12-7 advantage over the defending champions.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The remaining 17 climbers managed to return to their base camp after the eruption and reported their friends missing to the authorities, per CNA.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
-
Both agencies agree there is a chance for additional M flares and maybe even X-class eruptions over the coming days as sunspot regions AR4436 and AR4432 continue to evolve.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
With this in mind, flash photography is banned from the Grandfather Glows events.—
Eva Flowe
May 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 May 2026
-
To ensure you don’t miss anything, enable push notifications in order to stay up to date on flash sales and limited-time referral bonuses.—
Jamie Spain,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Power lines were snapped and pulled down in Missouri, wind gusts in Wisconsin exceeded 70 mph, and heavy rain and intense lightning knocked down trees in Tennessee.—
Kathryn Prociv,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 50 mph.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasm. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
