as in jams
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement
a bottleneck inevitably forms at the start of a construction zone when the highway narrows from three to two lanes
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Recent Examples of bottlenecks
Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Nigeria’s potential upside is larger, though infrastructure bottlenecks remain acute despite the launch of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, which still does not fully meet domestic fuel demand.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 15 May 2026
Limited refining capacity, dependence on imports, and infrastructure bottlenecks all contribute to higher volatility and higher costs for consumers.
—Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
On the positive side, the residential model reduces land and infrastructure requirements that are becoming serious bottlenecks, distributes compute closer to end users, and creates a natural incentive for homeowners through energy savings, said Tammabattula.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 9 May 2026
The Biden-era legislation was enacted after various American businesses had complaints over being bypassed for service by carriers, or being charged excessive late fees throughout the heavy supply chain bottlenecks throughout 2021 and 2022.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
The big risk in an elongation scenario, the institute argues, is if bottlenecks prove severe or persistent enough to shift the buildout narrative.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Noun
In volatile environments, centralized decision-making creates fatal bottlenecks.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Nigeria’s potential upside is larger, though infrastructure bottlenecks remain acute despite the launch of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, which still does not fully meet domestic fuel demand.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 15 May 2026
Limited refining capacity, dependence on imports, and infrastructure bottlenecks all contribute to higher volatility and higher costs for consumers.
—Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
On the positive side, the residential model reduces land and infrastructure requirements that are becoming serious bottlenecks, distributes compute closer to end users, and creates a natural incentive for homeowners through energy savings, said Tammabattula.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 9 May 2026
The Biden-era legislation was enacted after various American businesses had complaints over being bypassed for service by carriers, or being charged excessive late fees throughout the heavy supply chain bottlenecks throughout 2021 and 2022.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
The big risk in an elongation scenario, the institute argues, is if bottlenecks prove severe or persistent enough to shift the buildout narrative.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bottlenecks
Noun
-
There's nothing better than heading home from a trip with goodies, including local jams, veggies, and treats.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
11 May 2026
-
Their tart stalks are staples in sweet dishes, such as pies, jams, and crumbles, but can also be used in savory dishes and even beverages.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
In the coming-of-age dramedy produced by Adam Sandler, his daughter Sunny Sandler stars as a teenager who snags the lead in her high school musical and is ready for the spotlight.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
-
Jewelry Minor snags from rings, watches, bracelets, and necklaces can present big problems for delicate fabrics.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Anthropic's Claude Cowork sits on the other end of the spectrum and blocks autonomous purchases at the policy level.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
Jacques blocks them from entering the room, saying that Gil needs her rest.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
And when jet lag snarls your normal rest pattern, the window views and a cup of traditional Chinese tea awaiting each guest’s arrival become a pleasant distraction.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Locals going to the matches are advised to use public transportation if possible, not only to avoid paying for parking but also to avoid traffic snarls around the stadium.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 May 2026
Verb
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This imbalance hinders some of the phrasing's sweetness in the vocal harmony.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
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Vast terrain hinders search The immediate area in Stewart County where the search is currently contained is covered with big trees and steep hills, as well as snakes and ticks, according to the sheriff.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Verb
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At the conservancy’s Rosemont Preserve, volunteers have essentially removed all invasive castor bean, arundo (which clogs streams) and tree tobacco, which crowd out native plants and harm the landscape.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
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Although convenient, dryer sheets can leave a residue that clogs the lint trap and contributes to buildup.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This disease causes misshapen flowers that don’t open fully and strange-looking, thicker, thornier stems that can form red bunches of shoots and foliage on the ends.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
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The revenue boost stems mainly from taxes on high-income residents’ stock gains, which have soared with financial markets on the promise of AI.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
Verb
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State and federal agencies don’t track data around vitamin K injection refusal or subsequent bleeding, which impedes their ability to quantify and track outcomes, including death.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
Let go of whatever impedes your progress.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bottlenecks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bottlenecks. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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