jam 1 of 2

noun

Definition of jamnext
1
as in snarl
a crowded mass (as of cars) that impedes or blocks movement thousands of cars trying to leave the stadium's parking lot at the same time are sure to create a jam

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Relevance
2
as in pickle
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape the heavy rain puts us in a real jam: all of the preparations are for a garden wedding

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jam

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to stuff
to fit (people or things) into a tight space jammed his clothes into the already bulging hamper

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2
as in to block
to prevent passage through by filling with something firefighters found the nightclub's doorways jammed with trapped patrons

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fill
to put into (something) as much as can be held or contained the inn will jam a guest's picnic basket with an array of tempting foods

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to push
to force one's way several more people jammed into the bus even though there was hardly room to stand

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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 jam
Noun
Stock Up at Two Chicks on a Hill Load up on baked goods, jams, jellies, farm-fresh eggs, tortillas, cinnamon rolls, and produce at Two Chicks on a Hill, a farm stand on the north side of the Llano River just outside of town. — Pam Leblanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026 Isul gestured to the kitchen wall clock, then picked up her toast and jam. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Verb
Adversaries can jam or spoof satellite navigation signals, potentially preventing drones from accurately determining their positions. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026 Most of the flying drones intercepted at World Cup events were backtracked by federal agents who first jammed them and then sent teams who followed signals to the operators, officials said. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for jam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jam
  1. snarl
  2. pickle
  3. stuff
  4. block
  5. fill
  6. push
  7. congestion
  8. dilemma
Noun
  • The state Department of Transportation is scheduled to install temporary three-way stop signs at the intersections during a road project that’s already created mind-numbing traffic snarls and angry and confused drivers.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • Someone like Mason Marchment — who can score and play with snarl — could be a multi-year option, but giving out long-term deals to free agents in their 30s is risky, especially considering the current state of the Rangers.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of snarl
Noun
  • The wine’s dark fruit reaches the beef, while its savory edge accommodates the turmeric pickles on the plate.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix offered downtown visitors a surprise escape from pickle overload during this year’s Picklesburgh festival, turning Market Square into a living museum of automotive history.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 20 July 2026
Definition of pickle
Verb
  • Expect pita foldies stuffed with wagyu, ahi tuna or falafel, breakfast pitas, smash burgers, Jamaican beef patties, vegan soft serve and smoothies like the Island Love (coconut milk, ginger) and the Queen City (matcha, kale, pineapple).
    — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
  • Now don't panic, but this recipe does require one additional step prior to stuffing tortillas with a creamy, dreamy mixture of meat and cheese.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 21 July 2026
Definition of stuff
Verb
  • Although the crossing appeared blocked, groups moved along the coast seeking routes around the fence.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • But Friedman said he’s never orchestrated a trade simply to block a fellow contender.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of block
Verb
  • Spoon about 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, and spread slightly to fill the smaller square while maintaining the border.
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The seats were filled with families and friends all huddled underneath the shade of umbrellas to enjoy an afternoon ice cream.
    — Hali Smith August 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • The research firm added that while CXMT's technology still lags global memory leaders, domestic internet giants spearheading AI development will likely drive robust adoption of its chips as Beijing pushes for semiconductor self-sufficiency.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • And this episode feels like the power dynamics are really pushing and grating against each other within Ormund and Daeron’s relationship.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026
Definition of push
Noun
  • But Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton both slid into the paint as well, not doubling to the point of leaving their shooters open, but creating congestion.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Road use would be charged for every square-foot-second used, at a rate which varies based on levels of congestion on the roads.
    — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of congestion
Noun
  • Mize’s situation also highlights all the oddities surrounding the Tigers’ trade-deadline dilemma.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Posthumous publishing comes with its fair share of ethical dilemmas.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of dilemma

Browse Nearby Words

jalopy
jam
jambalaya
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Cite this Entry

“Jam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jam. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jam

Nglish: Translation of jam for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jam

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