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 Adames departed Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Braves due to back spasms after striking out to end the seventh inning, noticeably grimacing during the follow-through of his swing. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 Toronto’s Marina Mabrey was a late scratch due to neck spasms, one game after tying the league record with 53 points in a 125-97 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. — ABC News, 27 June 2026 In van Dongen’s case, the pinching motion required to hold a dart would trigger the spasms. — Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026 Some patients develop spasms of the vocal cords that obstruct the airway. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 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
  • Gastrointestinal illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites commonly trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
  • Cyclosporiasis has been sickening thousands of people across the country, particularly in Michigan, recently with an intestinal illness causing explosive diarrhea with severe stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of cramp
Noun
  • Caviar is one of life’s great pleasures, delicate orbs full of rich bursts of salty, umami deliciousness.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • The latest burst of activity is tied to a twentieth anniversary edition of Kiss of Death, which arrived earlier this month.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of burst
Noun
  • Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, according to state media.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Deep ocean recordings blend with orchestral timpani, distant explosions, vibrations and the recorded buzzing of bees.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Definition of explosion
Noun
  • There have been other outbursts of violence against immigrants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • William also was not inclined to let himself be bothered by Harry’s outbursts over the past several weeks, the authors said.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
Definition of outburst
Noun
  • Francesco was known to be an alchemist who experimented with chemical substances, which could explain the skin eruptions, Giuffra added.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Because of its location, Goma has been affected by eruptions of Nyiragongo.
    — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026
Definition of eruption
Noun
  • Life-threatening flash flooding has hit southern Texas after days of torrential rain, leaving at least two people dead and hundreds of people rescued across the same region struck by last July’s catastrophic floods.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The slow-moving storms could also bring pockets of heavy rain, leading to isolated flash flooding.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Definition of flash
Noun
  • Tropical Depression Two has formed in the northeastern Gulf and is expected to bring heavy rain and tropical storm-force gusts to the northern and eastern Gulf Coast in the coming days.
    — Meteorologist Melissa Nord, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • Any severe storms are most likely to develop this afternoon and evening and could produce damaging wind gusts over 60 mph and heavy rainfall.
    — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 19 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of spasm for Spanish Speakers

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